Day 4 Reading Plan – click here.
Let’s see….chapter one summary…..no good deed goes unpunished?
It’s interesting that these oldest passages contain so much mystery. We see another reference to the Sons of God (now translated as angels), we see Satan having a name (not being the serpent, but the adversary), we see God seeming to bait Satan with Job, Satan wanting to prove that no one really loves God apart from the blessings and protection God gives, God agreeing to strip Job of everything and allowing Satan to harm (but not kill) Job (much to Job’s chagrin as he curses the day he was conceived), oh yeah – let’s not forget the random mention of the Leviathan, and the first example of a friend…a bad friend at that…or a good friend with bad advice.
Job’s kids – Should we conclude that they were not following after the Lord since Job was sacrificing burnt offerings on their behalf? I wonder how long parents offered sacrifices for their children? When did the children become responsible for themselves? Anyone know?
Job’s wife – By chapter two she is ready for Job to throw in the towel. Why? And why wasn’t she killed along with everyone else? Did she tell Job to curse God in die out of anger – wanting to rid herself of the man that seemed to cause her so much pain and grief? (It must be his fault, right? He’s the one covered in sores, not her.) Or did she say this in love and compassion – looking at the man she dearly loved suffering physically, mentally, and emotionally – wanting to see an end to his pain?
Job’s friends (collectively) – Wasn’t it nice that they came to be by his side? Wasn’t it nice that they remained silent for 7 days? Why oh why did they start to speak…….
Job’s friend (Eliphaz) – Nice one. I cringed when I read his words to Job about accepting God’s discipline. How quick are we to assume that people suffer because of their own sin? Sure, that happens. We need to examine that in our own lives as we seek to be pure before the Lord. His words are a great reminder to us to let our words be few when speaking into someone’s life situation. Many times the Lord will give us a message to give to someone, but if it’s our own message, well, maybe we should just be quiet.
There are so many things that could be brought out in these chapters and discussed. What were some of the most intriguing parts that you read?
My favorite verse of the passage:
Job 2:10b “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” – This reminds me of the Matt Redman song, “Blessed be Your Name.”
Minister Like a Girl 