We’ve got Questions:
Why? Why me? How long? Is God angry? Is it my sin? Is it another’s sin? These questions in every form imaginable run through the mind of the sufferer, and in Job’s case without pause for his suffering from boils all over his body would prompt them. From the book of Job we get the idea that presuming to know the simple answer to such questions makes God angry for we cannot but misrepresent Him as we rattle off glib and canned answers such as, “… there must be sin somewhere.” There is sin EVERYWHERE! The entire planet is plagued with it! That’s why there’s sin and sickness and suffering and pain.
God’s got Answers:
God’s answer to all these questions seems to be, “That’s for me to know. I’m God and you’re not.” He further suggests that the idea that Job deserves an answer because Job didn’t fully grasp the awesome gap between Him (Creator) and men (creatures). Job did not have the humility nor the patience to bear suffering because he judged himself righteous therefore undeserving of it. In reality, all have sinned, all have a sin nature, and no one can claim an exemption from suffering based on his righteousness.
Disciples’ Perspective: Enter Jesus!
We learn from the New Testament . . . “How God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and power, Who went about doing good and healing ALL (emphasis mine) that were oppressed of the devil, for God was with Him.” Jesus didn’t debate the “who sinned?” question; He simply said what you see are the works of satan, and God wants to replace it with His works! He commissioned His followers to take His kingdom everywhere with this same authority and His command to continue in His wake as they went about to make disciples. This is the life Jesus has called us to live: as we make disciples, healing the sick and setting captives free. The very same works He did. We find that when we abandon the Old covenant under which the likes of Job suffered, we are free of the same kind of accusatory counsel of his friends, and we find deliverance. Believers who stay with any of the vestiges of the old covenant such as those who observe days, places, and seasons and are bound to the ideas, authority and approval of men, cannot walk in the authority and power with which Jesus has commissioned them.
Newsflash: We are in a war.
We must however realize that we are in a war. Those who fight on the battle front where the battle is most fierce will suffer a blow or two just like Jesus did. This is persecution for Jesus’ sake. Jesus warns us of this and counsels us to bear the persecution that comes as a direct result of being a follower and witness of Jesus Christ even to death. This is a hard word! which is why He said to count the cost. We must however be clear that He does not expect His body to suffer the curses He as delivered them from and from which He liberated everyone that was brought to Him – sickness, demonic oppression, disease, etc.
This is a huge topic! If you have comments or questions please do not hesitate to enter the conversation! And please continue reading with me! Blessings.
Bible Reading list – Jan 29 – Feb 4
| DATE | READING | Commentary |
| Jan 29 | Job 35-37 | |
| Jan 30 | Job 38-39 | |
| Jan 31 | Job 40-42 | Suffering II |
| Feb 1 | Exodus 1-3 | |
| Feb 2 | Exodus 4-6 | |
| Feb 3 | Exodus 7-9 | |
| Feb 4 | Exodus 10-12 |