Back to: The Banquet (Wisdom Devotional)
The Troubles Of Life
According to Solomon being successful doesn’t mean that we wont face trials or difficulties. All people experience trials even the godly. We live in a fallen world- effects of sin is trials and problems. The sin introduced in the garden brought death, sickness and sorrow. Examples of bad things happening to good people is Job. The book of Job presents a classic illustration of the problem of suffering. A story of a righteous man, who faced trials and eventually triumphed in the end.
How To Handle Trials & Problems
Jobs Tragedy -Job 1:, 2:3
- The story unfolds in heaven where a conversation is taking place between God and Satan- Job is not even aware that this is happening. (Everything takes place first in the spiritual than manifests in the physical)
- God himself confirmed to Job’s righteousness (Not that he was perfect, but he was righteous)
- This God ordained calamity was designed to prove Job’s faith was genuine. ( God wouldn’t have allowed it if He didn’t already know that Job would prevail)
- Satan did not have free reign but carried out only what God allowed. ( Limits and boundaries set for our trails) Job 1:11
The First Account of Job 13-22
- Job first lost his workers, oxen, donkeys, second fire from heaven killed sheep & servants. Third raiders captured camels, killing mire of his servants, fourth wind blew down son’s house, killing all of his children.
- Through the loss, he didn’t lose faith but chose to worship. Job 1: 21
Second Assault Job 2: 1-10
- Satan does not give up easily
- Second assault took physical form, boils, fever, sickness, pain in joints etc.
- Added was the lack of support from his wife
- Even his friends were convinced that he must have sinned to receive such suffering. Job 3: 4-1
Job’s Friends
The Type Of People You Will Find During A Trial
The Mystic- He was a dreamer. ( Prophecy)
Based his conclusion that job sinned on experience and mystical visons.
Why was His Reason Flawed?
His mystic experience was limited- Experience is a great teacher but it doesn’t always apply to every situation
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The traditionalist.
Based his conclusion of Job sinning on tradition, based on past generational influences.
Why was His Reason Flawed?
The problem comes when we elevate tradition above authority and scripture, you don’t make allowance for God. You limit God with this viewpoint.
The Rationalist.
Based his conclusion of Job sinning on common sense, logic and facts.
Why was His Reason Flawed?
Allows rational to oversimplify the complex issues that may be presented to us.
Leaves little room for compassion, empathy and genuine concern.
Different perspective.
Unlike Job’s friends he did not relate his sufferings to personal sin. But had no answer to dilemma.
Why was His Reason Flawed?
He was not as narrow minded and limited in his understanding but rather turned Job to get answers from God. He portrayed humility-limited knowledge.
Job’s Journey
God The Creator, Addresses Job
God The Father
- Not once did God condemn Job of sin
- The Lord offered no explanation for Job’s suffering, He didn’t even mention the problem.
God The Creator
- Instead, God directed Job to His own greatness and power. Job 38: 4-11
- God The Infinite
- God does not need to tell us why He does what He does because He is God.
