Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

https://www.crossway.org/articles/what-does-god-think-of-my-pain/

Today we bounce to the book of Job. Since we are reading the Bible in chronological order you probably wonder why Job comes before the balance of Genesis. We do not know when this book comes in relation to the other books. We do know that the references are for places that we cannot identify. We also know it precedes the Abrahamic covenant.

We begin with the background of Job, our main character in chapter 1. He is a man of integrity and honesty. Satan is introduced in the first chapter. His name means adversary. As we know he always does, one person is targeted. He is Job, that Jehovah points out as loyal to Him.

Why God allows the targeting is a question we will have to ask when we reach Heaven. Read the rest of this book before you decide to ask about this story. We know from this that the Devil has power on earth, but it can be limited by Yahweh. He effectively destroys Job’s wealth and his family. His response to these events is to attribute them to God. This misunderstanding is still prevalent in our time.

Job’s health is preserved but on another day the adversary is given permission to afflict our hero’s health. The nature of the disease appears to be a form of leprosy. Chapter two tells us that the last of Job’s family is taken from him as his wife tells him to curse God and die. We should realize that she has lost everything along with her husband. He believes that God gives trouble and good times. This is an incorrect idea according to this book. The conversation between the victim and his three “friends” will demonstrate this.

As many of us are tempted to do, Job curses the day he was born when he decides to speak in chapter 3. What he does not realize is that none of the things he has lost would exist, if he had not lived. This idea was used effectively in the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Our depression from crisis often manifests itself this way. Observe what has been lost. Great wealth, family and his health are gone. His therapy amounts to sitting on the ash heap and scraping the sores.

Eliphaz replies first to his friend in Job 4. His belief is that all trouble is brought on by sin. If there is no disobedience, prosperity and good health follow. Tragedy and bad health are proof of a worthless life. Many falsehoods are stated in this fourth chapter. “Who, being innocent, has ever been punished?” “Those who sow trouble reap it,” Eliphaz claims to have a word from the Almighty.

He does not have any positive encouragement for Job other than that he should appeal to God in chapter 5. Yahweh’s correction is praised. The deliverance from harm is acknowledged. Eliphaz believes what he knows and knows what he believes. It has been proven over the years. Listen as Job disputes these old ideas that sill reign in our world.