Job 6-7

Read Job 6-7

Verses chosen for meditation: Job 7:16 - 18 ESV: 

I loathe my life; I would not live forever. Leave me alone, for my days are a breath. What is man, that you make so much of him, and that you set your heart on him, visit him every morning and test him every moment?

Reflect

How should one read Job? 

Is Job a readily identifiable figure? 

Is there perhaps, anyone who might have difficulty understanding the plight of Job?

Is it possible for all of life's problems to be explained, and understood?

How does this portion of Job speak to us?

Relate

Job is an awkwardly interesting book to read though not many will refer to it like the Psalms. To many of us, the book of Job is synonymous with suffering. And suffering is one topic we would like to stay at arm's - length, or as far away from.

In fact, some scholars believe that Job could be a fictional character although it is generally held among most scholars that Job is a real historical figure who lived during the time of the Patriarchs, and before the days of the Mosaic law. Lending further credibility to his existence is the mention of his name in Ezekiel and James.

There isn't anyone in this world who cannot identify with Job, namely his suffering, not the wealth bit. For there's no one who has not suffered, whether in big or small ways.

I remember being drawn to the character some decades ago when I was going through a rough patch in my life. I pored over the book 'Why me?', an exposition on Job, to try and gain a better understanding of the situation I was in. It helped that Job's troubles were far greater than mine. But it didn't stop me from asking 'why'. That was before I had learned not to ask 'why' in such a situation. Asking ‘why’, to me, is almost tantamount to challenging God’s sovereignty. Asking for ‘help’, on the other hand, is acknowledging God’s sovereignty. This is often observed in the Psalmist.

I have learned that not all of life's suffering receives an answer or explanation. Not all of life's suffering is the result of one's own doing either. Therefore, when giving advice, care should be taken not to jump to an early conclusion, or have a preconceived notion. 

The premise here is that no one is spared from suffering, not even the righteous. In life, everyone suffers, although to varying degrees. But how one emerges from suffering is a 

different story. Not every case of suffering leaves a scar and bitter taste. Instead, there have been inspirational stories of men and women who turned out good despite a life replete with suffering and obstacles. Even Christ suffered. Scholars have actually compared the suffering of Job to that of Christ in terms of the intensity of the suffering, the faultlessness of the sufferer, and the outcome of the suffering.

So, feel free to lament and cry. Even despise the day we were born. No one can say to our face that we have no right to do so. For then it wouldn’t be suffering if we didn't feel that way. Even Christ lamented, 'My God, why have you forsaken me?' 

But suffering is a sad case when it stops only at lament. With proper perspective and perseverance, it could reverse the situation and be an inspiration, or even better, an opportunity to acknowledge the sovereignty of God despite our most dire straits.

For as hard as it is, suffering is necessary for the fullest appreciation of God's sovereignty. His sovereignty overshadowing our suffering, that's perfect submission (think of the Cross).

Rest

Lord, this is my story, this is my song. Receive this perfect submission. Grant a foretaste of glory divine. Then will I praise my Saviour all the day long.

Naville Chia