Friday, July 16, 2010
James 5: 10 -11 reads, "Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy."
The Bible is full of worthy role models. If we want a role model for evangelism, we can study the life of Paul. If we need a role model for faith, we can study the life of Abraham. And if we need someone to show us how to respond in the midst of suffering, pain, adversity, we can study the prophets in general and Job's life specifically. As James writes, he is our example of patience in the face of suffering. So, I want to encourage everyone to read the book of Job.
When you read the book of Job the first two chapters are a narrative that explain why these things are happening to Job. We're told about the devil attacking him. We're taken on a behind the scenes tour and given the insights into the reason for Job's suffering. And then in the last chapter, 42, we have another section of narrative in which we're told how it all turns out. But in between we have 39 chapters of dialogue in which Job's friends try to figure it all out.
Here's a great lesson from our suffering role model. Job does not know the insights in Chapters 1 and 2, and he didn't yet know the outcome of Chapter 42. In other words, he did not know the reason for his suffering or how it would all turn out. He just knew he was in a terrible crisis. And the amazing thing about Job - he trusts God anyway! He makes some awesome faith statements in the midst of his trials.
Like Job 1:21 - The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.
Like Job 2:10 - Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?
Like Job 13:15 - Though He slay me, yet will I hope in him.
Like Job 19:25 - I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.
Like Job 23:10 - But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
What a worthy role model! I believe it helps us during difficult times to say out loud and even in the midst of our friends, "I am going to trust God anyway". God knows what He is doing. God is working all things for good. May the name of the LORD be praised!
Pastor Tim
The Bible is full of worthy role models. If we want a role model for evangelism, we can study the life of Paul. If we need a role model for faith, we can study the life of Abraham. And if we need someone to show us how to respond in the midst of suffering, pain, adversity, we can study the prophets in general and Job's life specifically. As James writes, he is our example of patience in the face of suffering. So, I want to encourage everyone to read the book of Job.
When you read the book of Job the first two chapters are a narrative that explain why these things are happening to Job. We're told about the devil attacking him. We're taken on a behind the scenes tour and given the insights into the reason for Job's suffering. And then in the last chapter, 42, we have another section of narrative in which we're told how it all turns out. But in between we have 39 chapters of dialogue in which Job's friends try to figure it all out.
Here's a great lesson from our suffering role model. Job does not know the insights in Chapters 1 and 2, and he didn't yet know the outcome of Chapter 42. In other words, he did not know the reason for his suffering or how it would all turn out. He just knew he was in a terrible crisis. And the amazing thing about Job - he trusts God anyway! He makes some awesome faith statements in the midst of his trials.
Like Job 1:21 - The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.
Like Job 2:10 - Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?
Like Job 13:15 - Though He slay me, yet will I hope in him.
Like Job 19:25 - I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.
Like Job 23:10 - But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
What a worthy role model! I believe it helps us during difficult times to say out loud and even in the midst of our friends, "I am going to trust God anyway". God knows what He is doing. God is working all things for good. May the name of the LORD be praised!
Pastor Tim
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