This morning we had the privilege of hearing one of our own, Jason Elam, teach us from the book of Job. Job is a challenging book to study and understand, and it is one that has been debated for centuries. Job deals with theodicy, which asks, “How does a loving God allow so much suffering in this world?” God allows Satan to test Job, and Satan believes that if Job suffers, then he will curse God. God allows Satan to attack his possessions, his health, and his family. Job, in his suffering, says in Ch 1:21, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.”

Job has three “friends” that try to “help” him, but are really judging him in his suffering. They believed in “wisdom suffering” which says that man in sin suffers, but the man who is righteous propers. They proceed to tell Job that he has done something wrong which is causing all of this suffering. Jesus speaks to this bad theology in John 9 as he speaks about the man blind from birth. God can always use someone insignificant to do great things for the Kingdom.

This is a LIE – God withholds His love for us if we sin. Remember, God will always bring love to you. It is His nature.

Finally, Elihu, another character in the story, speaks for 6 chapters without interruption and points to the majesty of God. We must be careful to not put God in a specific paradigm, but to remember that we cannot truly understand all of His ways. And that is good!

Remember who God is…His character, His nature, and His plans. Then…and only then…let that color in your situation. His character doesn’t change, but your situation very likely will. Job wants to know “why” he is suffering, but God answered him with “who” He is. Job’s response is that he understands God a little more. He not only “hears” Him, but can “see” Him too.