 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
| JOB ~ SUFFERING AND PATIENCE Job is the first of the poetic books in the Hebrew Bible. Some believe this was the first book of the Bible to be written. The book gives us insights into the work of Satan. Ezekiel 14:14, 20 and James 5:11 mention Job as a historical character. This book was written to demonstrate God's sovereignty and the meaning of true faith. It addresses the question, Why do the righteous suffer? The author is unknown, according to some scholars it was possibly Job. Some have suggested Moses, Solomon, or Elihu. Recorded events of the book indicate that it was probably written during the time of the patriarchs, approximately 2000 - 1800 B. C. The setting for this book was the land of Uz, probably located northeast of Palestine, near desert land between Damascus and the Euphrates River. The key people are Job, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, Zophar the Naamathite, and Elihu the Buzite. The key verse is chapter 2: 3 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. Job means "hated" or "persecuted" . Some people believe Job to be the "Jobad" of I Chronicles 1:44, a great-grandson of Esau. This book is a history of the life of Job, his prosperity, his afflictions and how they came upon him. Of the conversations between him and his friends, when they confronted him with why these things were happening to him, each one had a different reason to tell as Job sit in ashes with boils all over his body and his own wife asked him, "Why don't you curse God and die?" Job knew that God had a hedge around him and that satan could not win this battle. Although satan was allowed to destroy Job's children, servants, livestock, herdsmen, and home, but Job continued to trust God. His friends at first grieved with him, and then accused him of sinning, and that if he would confess his sins, God would not allow these things to happen, but Job maintained his innocence. Unable to convince Job of his sin, the three men (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar) fell silent. At this point another voice, the young Elihu.....entered the debate. Although his argument also failed to convince Job, it prepared the way for God to speak. Finally, God spoke out of a mighty storm. Confronted with the great power and majesty of God, Job fell in humble reverence before God....speechless. God rebuked Job's friends, and the drama ended with Job restored to happiness and wealth. It is easy for us to think that we have all the answers. In reality, only God knows exactly why things happen as they do, and we must submit to him as our Sovereign. As you read this book, try to put yourself in Jobs place and decide to trust God no matter what happens. Spiritual Thought: Let God have His way with us, or let go and let God...................... |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| COULD YOU, WOULD YOU? If trials come and turn you upside down, Could you take it all without a frown? Would you keep on believing in God's promise. Or would you lose faith and fall to the ground? Could you, would you, stand up to the test, Would you honor God, and still do your best? Job was very wise and God thought him perfect He knew that satan would not get his verdict. There is none on earth, the likes of Job And it would be hard to carry his load. God made him an example for all to see, No matter the trial, keep your trust in me. No I don't expect to have the trials of Job And if I did, that would be an awesome road. But I know that GOD knows my needs, And I don't think they would be greater than me. He promised, that we would never have to bear Troubles and tribulations beyond our share, So my intentions is to travel on this appointed way, And endeavor to keep my faith and trust each day. So the question still remains upon the floor Would you and could you handle the chore Of serving the Master and giving your best, No matter the trial or the test??? Poem by Shirley Barr References used for JOB: KJV Bible, Life Application Bible, and Worlds Bible Handbook All rights reserved by authors April 11, 2005 |
|
| SONG: ' LET GOD BE GOOD TO YOU' Sequenced and permission given by |
|
| NEXT |
