Why do bad things happen to good people, especially people of faith? Why does God allow bad things to happen? Why does God allow evil to exist in the world? All questions that come to mind as we read Job's story and as is true in anything based on faith probably leaves us with more questions than answers. So read Job's story and reflect upon your own:
Job 1:1-3 Job was a man who lived in Uz. He was honest inside and out, a man of his word, who was totally devoted to God and hated evil with a passion. He had seven sons and three daughters. He was also very wealthy—seven thousand head of sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred teams of oxen, five hundred donkeys, and a huge staff of servants—the most influential man in all the East! All Scriptures are from The Message Version
• What is the writer of Job seeking to establish in our minds about Job as he sets up this story?
• Possessing wealth and a large family were seen by many at that time as signs of faith and piety. What are some signs of faith and piety in our times? How would the writer of Job describe that kind of person to resonate with us?
• Do you feel that your faith brings blessings? What reinforces for you that God is present in your life? Are they blessings that are similar to those cited for Job?
Job 2:1-3 One day when the angels came to report to GOD, Satan also showed up. GOD singled out Satan, saying, “And what have you been up to?” Satan answered GOD, “Oh, going here and there, checking things out.” Then GOD said to Satan, “Have you noticed my friend Job? There’s no one quite like him, is there—honest and true to his word, totally devoted to God and hating evil? He still has a firm grip on his integrity! You tried to trick me into destroying him, but it didn’t work.” 4-5 Satan answered, “A human would do anything to save his life. But what do you think would happen if you reached down and took away his health? He’d curse you to your face, that’s what.” 6 GOD said, “All right. Go ahead—you can do what you like with him. But mind you, don’t kill him.”
• The writer now begins to explore the mystery of why bad things happen in general and particularly to good people. In Job’s case what is at the heart of the bad things that happened to him?
• Who actually brings the afflictions upon Job? What is God’s role in the misfortune Job experiences? How do you feel about this portrayal of God?
• What have you used as explanations for the seeming incongruity of a loving God and yet evil present in great measure in our world? How would you adjust the story to fit your understanding of this complex faith question? What role does Satan seem to play? (In Job ha-Satan is a member of the Divine Council subservient to God. Ha-Satan is many times translated as "the prosecutor", charged by God to tempt humans reporting back to God all who go against His decrees. Wikipedia)
• Another possible interpretation of Job is that our faith will be tested by God. Do you think that this happens? What are some real world ways in which our faith is put under pressure? Should we be surprised that living faithfully has consequences – what were some trials Jesus faced?
After several friends trying at length to convince him that he must have done something bad to have all of this come down on his head and repeated emotional defenses by Job of his righteousness he cries out for justice, a fair hearing of his innocence:
Job 31:35-37 “Oh, if only someone would give me a hearing!
I’ve signed my name to my defense—let the
Almighty One answer!
I want to see my indictment in writing.
Anyone’s welcome to read my defense;
I’ll write it on a poster and carry it around town.
I’m prepared to account for every move I’ve ever made—
to anyone and everyone, prince or pauper.
• What is the essence of Job’s defense and what does he assume is the source of the terrible misfortune that has come into his life? What does he feel will be the cure and make it all go away? Read Deuteronomy 28:1-14 to see the promises he felt he deserved and Deuteronomy 28:15-68 to see what he was experiencing.
• What is Job’s tone as he speaks these words? Is it a request or does it have the flavor of something else? Do you think that it could be a form of prayer?
• Can you think of other cases of bible characters arguing with God? What does this tell us about God and our relationship with God? Have you ever felt like arguing with God?
38:1 And now, finally, God answered Job from the eye of a violent storm. He said: 2-11 “Why do you confuse the issue? Why do you talk without knowing what you’re talking about? Pull yourself together, Job! Up on your feet! Stand tall! I have some questions for you, and I want some straight answers.
Where were you when I created the earth? Tell me, since you know so much! Who decided on its size? Certainly you’ll know that! Who came up with the blueprints and measurements? How was its foundation poured, and who set the cornerstone, While the morning stars sang in chorus and all the angels shouted praise? And who took charge of the ocean when it gushed forth like a baby from the womb? That was me! I wrapped it in soft clouds, and tucked it in safely at night. Then I made a playpen for it, a strong playpen so it couldn’t run loose, And said, ‘Stay here, this is your place. Your wild tantrums are confined to this place
Job 40:1 40 1-2 God then confronted Job directly: “Now what do you have to say for yourself? Are you going to haul me, the Mighty One, into court and press charges?”
• Do you think that Job expected the response he got? Is this the calm courtroom that Job asked for in his prayer/demand? How do you envision God’s countenance as God speaks to Job?
• What in essence is God’s response? Does he address Job’s circumstances in the way in which Job probably expected? Is there some sarcasm or are the words non-judgmental?
• What do you relate to and question as you read these words? Is it a satisfactory answer?
• As we utter prayers what does this story tell us we might bear in mind? How do you deal with the fact that some prayers for relief and healing seemed to be answered and others not? What should we expect to receive from our spiritual life during times of trial?
This is what Job learned,:
42:1 Then Job replied to the LORD : 2 "I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted. 3 You asked, 'Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?' Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. 4 "You said, 'Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.' 5 My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. 6 Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes."
What have you learned?
Closing Prayer
In times of trial and times of peace we give thanks, O God, for your presence with us. In times of confusion and doubt we give thanks for the wisdom of your Spirit. May we follow your leading as we trust in your purposes. Amen.
Next Week’s Lectionary Scriptures: Job 23:1-9, 16-17 or Amos 5:6-7, 10-15, Psalm 22:1-15 or Psalm 90:12-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31
