Woven

Wednesday, June 16th

Woven – Summer Study

Today, we just need to get through 42 chapters of Job to stay on track for our summer study. That shouldn’t be any problem at all, right? In all seriousness, It's going to be a long day. It has to be, and it’s worth it.

Let’s get right to it….

Read Job 1.

From the first chapter of Job, I really want us to see, hear, and understand the tone and context. In chapter 1, we get to see what was happening in the earthly realm and the heavenly realm. Job was a blameless and upright man, and it appears that God had blessed him for that. Satan didn’t like it, and he bargained with God for Job’s life.

If this isn’t unsettling to you, I am not sure you’re fully understanding. Job devoted his life to God and His way. Yet, God entered into a bargaining conversation with Satan over Job’s well-being. WHAT? He gave Satan permission to have his way with Job, because God believed in Job’s faithfulness. No part of this seems fair to me, y’all. (This is where my Mama would say, "Life isn't fair.")

The events of chapter 1 repeat. Satan was given permission to hurt Job 3 different times until he was left with nothing except his life (that was in physical pain) and his wife (which was no gift at all according to 2:9).

I wish we had weeks to study this one book of the Bible, but we do not. We have today, so let’s make the most of it. Have you ever felt like you were doing your very best for God and yet He continued to allow calamity to take over your life? Has it ever seemed like everyone else gets to flourish, but your life continues to spiral out of control?

I believe that’s what was going on with Job within the pages of this book. With Job’s story, God has allowed us to see the fullness of true relationship with Him. Although I don’t have time to do it here, I would like to encourage you to read through Job completely someday. Do it slowly and for the purpose of understanding lament. Job faced real crises, and he remained faithful to God. However, his faith did not restrict him from questioning and arguing, feeling sadness, expressing anger and frustration. Job felt all of the emotions, and they were recorded in honesty.

In Job 16:12, he says, “I was at ease but He shattered me.” The word shattered in Hebrew means “to break, to divide, or frustrate. It was usually used in relation to a covenant or agreement.” It’s interesting that the word covenant is in our study again today. Yesterday, we learned that God is a covenant making God. He cannot break His covenant or His promises. It’s not in His nature. However, the story Job demonstrates to us that faith in a covenant making and covenant keeping God doesn’t mean we won’t sometimes feel like He’s shattering that covenant. Remember, He’s God and we are not. Therefore, we will be tempted to feel like He’s forgotten His promises. Job did, and we will too.

In the middle of his genuine frustration, Job continued to speak his trust in God. Even when it may have been faint or in the middle of complaint, Job proclaimed what he knew to be true,

And as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives. And at the last He will take His stand on the earth. Even after my skin is destroyed, Yet, from my flesh I shall see God;

Job 19:25

But He knows the way I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot has held fast to His path; I have kept His way and not turned aside. I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.

Job 23: 10-12

Job’s friends turned on him and accused him of causing the calamity with sin. That’s helpful, friends! Their failures, though, forced Job to continue in the wrestle with God alone. When life is shattering, it’s best to stick with God. No one could have understood Job’s pain except for his Creator.

We know the ending of this story. Job was going to experience a true come-back. He won't receive his family or possessions back that he lost in the beginning. But, God chose to double bless him because of his faith. First, Job had to honestly and genuinely wrestle with God for answers. The process looked like this….

He questioned God.

He praised God.

He complained to God.

He praised God.

He grumbled with God over all he’d lost.

He worshiped God for who He is.

And, guess what. I don’t think our journey with God will look any different. THIS is the wrestling. THIS is the fight! God is after our hearts. He wants a genuine relationship with us. Faith wrestling brings us face to face with God; and, goodness, I want to see God.

I don’t think the real treasure of Job is found at the end of the book when Job’s blessings are doubled. In my opinion, the true gift is found in Job 42:5.

Read Job 42: 1-5 and focus on verse 5.

I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear. But now my eye sees Thee; (NASB)

I admit I once lived by rumors of you; now I have it all firsthand – from my own eyes and ears. (The Message)

I’m crying, y’all. THAT is the gift. Life is hard! Sometimes, it seems nearly impossible. Job’s life surely does. But, look what he got in return…. A firsthand experience with the Creator and Savior of the world.

Journal - Is it possible that THIS is the only thing worth devoting a life to? If so, is it just a little bit hilarious that Satan bargained with God for an outcome that was simply more faith, more love, and more joy? Satan's ply was used by God FOR the true life of His child. Oh, how I love Him! Journal some of your thoughts today.

Redeemer God, we just can’t see and know what You know while we live here on this confusing earth. Sometimes, though, You give us glimpses. You allow us to see what You see. Job’s life from the Bible is one of those times. The beginning part of his story is confusing. The middle portion seems so painful. But, in the end, You brought all things together for good and for true JOY. We want to hold on for Your ending. Give us faith! We trust You. Amen.