DOES GOD PERMIT CHRISTIAN SUFFERING? LESSONS FROM THE LIFE AND MINISTRY OF JOB
By Ezekiel Kimosop
BACKGROUND TO THE BOOK OF JOB
Bible scholars are divided on the dating and authorship of the Book of Job. Those who place the dating of the book within the Iron Age say it was written after 1200 BC. Some scholars have identified the book with the period of the reign of King Solomon when wisdom literature was highly valued. Solomon is believed to have written the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Songs of Solomon as well as some of the Psalms. It is however difficult to precisely established the dating of the book of Job for the following reasons:
i) The geographical location of the land of Uz has been difficult to establish. Some scholars suppose that it may have been an ancient location in Edom which was next to Israel.
ii) Job's lineage is not mentioned in the book or in any other section of Scripture.
ii) The fact that Job offered burnt sacrifices for his children (Job 1:5) has led some scholars to conclude that Job may have lived during the time of the patriarchs rather than the period of the kings. Marauding bands of raiders were common during Abraham's day (cf. Genesis 14; Job 1:17).
iv) Unlike during the age of the kings, there was no evidence of organized religious worship in Job's time. Job, like Abraham, worshipped God alone.
v) The length of Job's life strongly suggests that he may have lived within the post-Noah generation and probably before Abraham.
WHO WROTE THE BOOK OF JOB?
The identity of the author of Job has also been difficult to determine. According to the NKJV 2007 introduction to Job, several authors have been speculated including King Solomon and two of the Book's characters namely Job and Elihu.
Some have mentioned Moses but given the reference to iron tools and weapons (Job 19:24, 20:24, 40:18) and iron ore mining (Job 28:1-2), Moses' authorship of this Book has been seriously discounted. However, if Job pre-existed Abraham and Moses, then this theory could find some merit.
There is also a close resemblance between the writings attributed to Solomon and sections of the Book of Job [cf. Job 7:17,18 and Ps.8:4 and Job 28:8 with Proverbs 3:7, 9:10].
The Book of Job largely consists of a poetic/wisdom literature genre which can be loosely classified with the Books of Psalms and the Proverbs.
WHO WAS JOB?
Job the man is no doubt the central character of the book by his name. Job is first introduced in the Book as a wealthy and devout man who caught the attention and approval of God (Job 1:1-5). His Jewish lineage is not revealed in Scripture. He is described as blameless, upright, and God-fearing (Job 1:1). This does not however suggest that Job was sinless! He was simply morally upright. His family and wealth are listed in Job 1:2-3).
JOB'S GRUESOME TEST
Job 1:6-12 reports on Satan's attack on Job's character. Satan claims that Job was merely faithful to God because of the material benefits he had received from God and the favors that God had bestowed upon him. God permitted Satan to test the spiritual integrity of Job but forbade him from harming his life (Job 1:12). This reveals that Job's suffering was divinely approved.
The Book of Job largely consists of a poetic/wisdom literature genre which can be loosely classified with the Books of Psalms and the Proverbs.
WHO WAS JOB?
Job the man is no doubt the central character of the book by his name. Job is first introduced in the Book as a wealthy and devout man who caught the attention and approval of God (Job 1:1-5). His Jewish lineage is not revealed in Scripture. He is described as blameless, upright, and God-fearing (Job 1:1). This does not however suggest that Job was sinless! He was simply morally upright. His family and wealth are listed in Job 1:2-3).
JOB'S GRUESOME TEST
Job 1:6-12 reports on Satan's attack on Job's character. Satan claims that Job was merely faithful to God because of the material benefits he had received from God and the favors that God had bestowed upon him. God permitted Satan to test the spiritual integrity of Job but forbade him from harming his life (Job 1:12). This reveals that Job's suffering was divinely approved.
We learn from the New Testament Scriptures that nothing ever happens to God's people without God's permissive will and that our Christian suffering ultimately serves God's purposes for us (Romans 8:28, James 1:2-4).
Job suffered horrendous afflictions of various dimensions as Satan wreaked havoc through sustained attacks on his property, family, and his health. He lost all his children and his entire wealth and was struck with leprosy, causing him to stay in isolation for the period of infection (Job 1:13-2:13).
Surprisingly, Job's initial reaction to his tragedy was with measured and godly deportment. He kept his cool in the midst of unbearable pain and affliction. This proved that Job was a spiritually mature person whose devotion to God was unquestioningly firm. The writer records that Job did not sin with his lips (Job 2:10). This serves as a biblical confirmation that Job acted righteously even in his worst moments of life. He refused to curse God or blame God for the afflictions.
This also affirms affirms that God's previous assessment of Job's moral integrity was theologically consistent with his character. God alone can carry an accurate assessment of our spiritual standing. He alone holds the divine barometer by which he tests the hearts of men (Jeremiah 17:9).
Job eventually discerned that his suffering was within God's permissive will. Notice the import of his statement in Job 42:3-6 where he admits thus:
"Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,
Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
4 Listen, please, and let me speak;
You said, ‘I will question you, and you shall answer Me.’
5 “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear,
But now my eye sees You.
6 Therefore I abhor myself,
And repent in dust and ashes.”
Job's discernment of the revelation of God was considerably expanded when he finally heard God speak. He repented of his ignorance and submitted himself to divine resolution. This agrees with Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 10:13. However, Job revealed his frail human side. In the intensity of his pain, he regretted that he was ever born, a claim that indirectly touched on God's sovereignty. He expressed his pain and frustration.
Would we have acted differently if we were in Job's shoes?
Job was not perfect or sinless even as he was adjudged upright and blameless by God. No believer can attain sinless perfection under the sun. Scripture proclaims that our righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). Only the righteousness of Christ shields us from God's righteous condemnation (Romans 8:1-2).
THE PAIN INFLICTED BY JOB'S FRIENDS
Three of Job's friends who earlier visited him did not make matters any better for him. One of his friends called Eliphaz attributed Job's sufferings to some sin that Job may have committed. God later disproved this claim (Job 42:7).
This presents a theological paradox to the reader. If Job was blameless, why did he suffer the horrifying experience? Why would God subject His servant to this scale of affliction? We need to keep this question in mind as we examine the topic.
Eliphaz could not identify the specific sin that Job had committed but his claim was based on his limited understanding of human suffering and divine punishment. He could not comprehend that God could bring trials upon the righteous. His understanding of God was perhaps considerably limited at this point.
Eliphaz's claim is recorded in Job 4-5. One question is noteworthy in his long dialogue with Job: "can a mortal be more righteous than God? Can a man be more pure than his Maker?" (Job 4:17, NKJV). Eliphaz proceeded to argue that if angels of God can err, how much more can an earthly mortal be found with sin and error?
Eliphaz's claim is recorded in Job 4-5. One question is noteworthy in his long dialogue with Job: "can a mortal be more righteous than God? Can a man be more pure than his Maker?" (Job 4:17, NKJV). Eliphaz proceeded to argue that if angels of God can err, how much more can an earthly mortal be found with sin and error?
These words reveal one of the most powerful truths affirmed in the New Testament Scriptures - that no human being can be perfect in God's eyes apart from Christ. All men were under sinful condemnation in Adam until Calvary. Besides, the residual sinful nature that we adorn cannot permit us to dwell in sinless perfection under the sun (1 John 1:8-10, 1 Corinthians 15:21-22; Romans 3:23).
The discourse between Job and his friends runs through to Job 37 and reveals their amazing depth of theological reflection and wisdom. This leaves no doubt that this Book was inspired by the Holy Spirit!
THE WISDOM OF ELIHU
Elihu son of Barachel the Buzzite is mentioned in Job 32-37, suggesting that he joined Job's three friends at the tail end of the theological discourse or did not catch the attention of the writer prior to this point. Elihu sought to speak last because he was younger than the other three friends of Job, a fact that he admits (Job 32:4-6). He spoke awesome truths about God and God later vindicated his convictions.
The discourse between Job and his friends runs through to Job 37 and reveals their amazing depth of theological reflection and wisdom. This leaves no doubt that this Book was inspired by the Holy Spirit!
THE WISDOM OF ELIHU
Elihu son of Barachel the Buzzite is mentioned in Job 32-37, suggesting that he joined Job's three friends at the tail end of the theological discourse or did not catch the attention of the writer prior to this point. Elihu sought to speak last because he was younger than the other three friends of Job, a fact that he admits (Job 32:4-6). He spoke awesome truths about God and God later vindicated his convictions.
Elihu condemned the self righteousness of men and proclaimed God's goodness, impartiality, and majesty (Job 34-37). He rightly understood Job's suffering as a form of spiritual chastisement from God that was anchored on divine mystery. This was an amazing piece of wisdom coming from a young man! It confirms that spiritual wisdom can defy age and experience. It is the gift of God. Some consider Elihu as a prophet sent from God.
In the New Testament Scriptures, Paul exhorted Timothy not to allow anyone to despise him on account his youthfulness but to firmly teach and rebuke all alike without partiality. A minister may be a young man, perhaps unmarried. However, his youthfulness cannot affect the discharge of the spiritual mandate that God has bestowed upon him (1 Timothy 4:12).
GOD REBUKES AND HUMBLES JOB
When God finally speaks for the first time to Job in Job 38-39, He affirmed Elihu's theological reflection on Job's suffering. He reveals His divine omnipotence and sovereignty in His conversation with Job. Job is finally confounded and admits that his wisdom was nothing compared with God's. He kept silent in God's presence.
When God speaks no mortal can dare answer Him back. Job exclaims in awesome fear: "Behold I am vile; what would I answer you? I lay my hand over my mouth." (Job 40:4). None of us has any legitimate standing or right of reply in God's presence! We ought to be still for He is God (Exodus 14:14).
In the ensuing discourse, God demonstrates His divine omnipotence over all creation. In Job 42, Job repents of his foolishness and is apparently forgiven by God for his inadvertence of speech (Job 42:1-6).
GOD REBUKES JOB'S THREE FRIENDS
In Job 42:7-9, Job's three friends led by Eliphaz the Temanite are sharply rebuked by God for their foolishness and are ordered to take oxen as burnt offerings and go to Job who will pray for them lest God's wrath falls upon them! Notice that for the second time God fondly refers to Job as "my servant". None of Job's friends were assigned this privilege!
Those who faithfully serve God and fear Him have a special relationship with God. Moses enjoyed this status in the presence of God. When Moses was rebuked by his elder siblings Miriam and Aaron for marrying an Ethiopian woman, the two crossed the red line when they ridiculed Moses' leadership mandate, asking if God spoke through him alone! God swiftly came to Moses' defense and the two were summoned to the tent and sharply rebuked by God. The fact that Miriam was slapped with leprosy could have been a pointer to her leading role in the conspiracy and the elevated standard of responsibility given that she was a prophetess. She should have discerned the mind of God and refrained from confronting Moses in the manner she did!
2) NO BELIEVER IS PERFECT.
The fact that we may not recollect any specific sin or moral violation does not suggest or imply that we are sinless or perfect in God's sight. No one is sinless except Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21)!
3) THE FOLLY OF HUMAN WISDOM
Job's three friends Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar applied their narrow human intellect in their attempt to supply a theological explanation on the working of God in Job's context. They failed to read the mind of God because they lacked God's revelation.
GOD REBUKES AND HUMBLES JOB
When God finally speaks for the first time to Job in Job 38-39, He affirmed Elihu's theological reflection on Job's suffering. He reveals His divine omnipotence and sovereignty in His conversation with Job. Job is finally confounded and admits that his wisdom was nothing compared with God's. He kept silent in God's presence.
When God speaks no mortal can dare answer Him back. Job exclaims in awesome fear: "Behold I am vile; what would I answer you? I lay my hand over my mouth." (Job 40:4). None of us has any legitimate standing or right of reply in God's presence! We ought to be still for He is God (Exodus 14:14).
In the ensuing discourse, God demonstrates His divine omnipotence over all creation. In Job 42, Job repents of his foolishness and is apparently forgiven by God for his inadvertence of speech (Job 42:1-6).
GOD REBUKES JOB'S THREE FRIENDS
In Job 42:7-9, Job's three friends led by Eliphaz the Temanite are sharply rebuked by God for their foolishness and are ordered to take oxen as burnt offerings and go to Job who will pray for them lest God's wrath falls upon them! Notice that for the second time God fondly refers to Job as "my servant". None of Job's friends were assigned this privilege!
Those who faithfully serve God and fear Him have a special relationship with God. Moses enjoyed this status in the presence of God. When Moses was rebuked by his elder siblings Miriam and Aaron for marrying an Ethiopian woman, the two crossed the red line when they ridiculed Moses' leadership mandate, asking if God spoke through him alone! God swiftly came to Moses' defense and the two were summoned to the tent and sharply rebuked by God. The fact that Miriam was slapped with leprosy could have been a pointer to her leading role in the conspiracy and the elevated standard of responsibility given that she was a prophetess. She should have discerned the mind of God and refrained from confronting Moses in the manner she did!
Now back to Job's case.
Job was commanded to pray for his three friends Eliphaz, Zophar, and Bildad. By this act, God affirmed the priesthood of Job. The Bible proclaims that the believers are a royal priesthood in Christ (1 Peter 2:9).
Job was commanded to pray for his three friends Eliphaz, Zophar, and Bildad. By this act, God affirmed the priesthood of Job. The Bible proclaims that the believers are a royal priesthood in Christ (1 Peter 2:9).
Do we often pray for those who offend us?
Surprisingly, Elihu, the youngest of the four men, was spared the wrath of God, suggesting that his theological prudence was approved by God! Godly wisdom defies and overrides human wisdom. Age is not necessarily an indicator of spiritual wisdom. Divine wisdom is spiritually discerned by a consistent and prayerful search across the pages of Scripture under the illumination and leading of the Holy Spirit.
Do you have time for the devotional study of the word of God? Do you discern His voice in the Scriptures?
We should neither blame God nor misrepresent His divine truths in the Scriptures at the altar of cultural convenience! God takes great exception to those who distort the truth of God's word for selfish purposes. If they do not repent, they will be severely punished.
THE RESTORATION OF JOB
The restoration of Job is recorded in Job 42:10-16. God restored Job's loss on a two-fold basis. His animals were doubled. The children born to him after his tragedy were however not doubled in number. He received seven sons and three daughters - the exact number that he had lost (Job 1:2). Some scholars suggest that Job's departed children were not lost eternally. Their souls were preserved in the presence of God (cf. 2 Samuel 12:23).
Job's family came to comfort him for the adversity that God had, by His permissive will, brought upon him and to celebrate his divine restoration. This teaches us that no matter how much pain and affliction we undergo in this world, God will ultimately restore us in Christ. Our Christian suffering is for a season.
Job lived for 140 years, long enough to see four generations of his offspring.
MORAL LESSONS FROM THE STORY OF JOB
The book of Job is rich in moral and spiritual lessons for our practical application. We shall evaluate just a few for the purpose of this article.
1) THE TESTING OF THE RIGHTEOUS
We learn from the story of Job that no believer can escape the trials that God reserves for His saints. This should lead us to view Christian trials and afflictions in a positive sense. There was no specific sin that triggered the trial of Job. God alone permitted his suffering for his divine purposes (cf. James 1:2-4). It is therefore unbiblical to attribute every trial we undergo in this life to Satan. Christians will and do suffer in ways that God alone permits and understands. We should therefore be patient in our suffering even as we pray for divine relief from God's throne of grace.
Surprisingly, Elihu, the youngest of the four men, was spared the wrath of God, suggesting that his theological prudence was approved by God! Godly wisdom defies and overrides human wisdom. Age is not necessarily an indicator of spiritual wisdom. Divine wisdom is spiritually discerned by a consistent and prayerful search across the pages of Scripture under the illumination and leading of the Holy Spirit.
Do you have time for the devotional study of the word of God? Do you discern His voice in the Scriptures?
We should neither blame God nor misrepresent His divine truths in the Scriptures at the altar of cultural convenience! God takes great exception to those who distort the truth of God's word for selfish purposes. If they do not repent, they will be severely punished.
THE RESTORATION OF JOB
The restoration of Job is recorded in Job 42:10-16. God restored Job's loss on a two-fold basis. His animals were doubled. The children born to him after his tragedy were however not doubled in number. He received seven sons and three daughters - the exact number that he had lost (Job 1:2). Some scholars suggest that Job's departed children were not lost eternally. Their souls were preserved in the presence of God (cf. 2 Samuel 12:23).
Job's family came to comfort him for the adversity that God had, by His permissive will, brought upon him and to celebrate his divine restoration. This teaches us that no matter how much pain and affliction we undergo in this world, God will ultimately restore us in Christ. Our Christian suffering is for a season.
Job lived for 140 years, long enough to see four generations of his offspring.
MORAL LESSONS FROM THE STORY OF JOB
The book of Job is rich in moral and spiritual lessons for our practical application. We shall evaluate just a few for the purpose of this article.
1) THE TESTING OF THE RIGHTEOUS
We learn from the story of Job that no believer can escape the trials that God reserves for His saints. This should lead us to view Christian trials and afflictions in a positive sense. There was no specific sin that triggered the trial of Job. God alone permitted his suffering for his divine purposes (cf. James 1:2-4). It is therefore unbiblical to attribute every trial we undergo in this life to Satan. Christians will and do suffer in ways that God alone permits and understands. We should therefore be patient in our suffering even as we pray for divine relief from God's throne of grace.
2) NO BELIEVER IS PERFECT.
The fact that we may not recollect any specific sin or moral violation does not suggest or imply that we are sinless or perfect in God's sight. No one is sinless except Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21)!
When confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:8-10). Scripture declares that our righteousnesses [apart from Christ's] are as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). We cannot please God by our own efforts. The theology of works taught by some Christian traditions is misleading and unbiblical. No one is justified by good deeds but only by the grace of God in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9).
3) THE FOLLY OF HUMAN WISDOM
Job's three friends Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar applied their narrow human intellect in their attempt to supply a theological explanation on the working of God in Job's context. They failed to read the mind of God because they lacked God's revelation.
The philosophers of this world project a false picture of God. Their portrayal of God outside the revelation and authority of Scripture is defective.
For instance, some scientists and atheistic philosophers have attempted to explain the origin of the universe through scientific existential theories without success. They have failed to offer convincing findings in their theories. The Bible teaches in 1 Corinthians 1:19 that God will destroy the wisdom of the wise and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. The revelation of God can only be discerned through the word of God and not through scientific research or human philosophy.
The Bible contains the full and final revelation of God to man. Those who reject or ridicule the divine works of Jesus Christ are lost in sinful depravity and, like Eliphaz, Zophar, and Bildad, can only be restored to God though repentance. Nothing but the blood of Jesus can cleanse sin.
4) SATAN IS THE ACCUSER OF THE BRETHREN
Our eternal security is anchored in Christ. Satan was defeated at Calvary. His words of deceit do not count anymore. Only Christ's blood speaks better things than Abel's (Hebrews 12:24). The Bible asks in Romans 8:33, "who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth." There is absolutely nothing to fear if we are in Christ. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. The destiny of Satan and his angels is eternally sealed. They will be consigned to eternal damnation in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15).
5) THE RESTORATION OF JOB
The restoration of Job mirrors our final restoration in Christ which will usher us to eternal glory when He shall be revealed (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
The Bible proclaims in Romans 8:17 that "If children [of God], then we are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him [Christ], that we may be glorified together." [emphasis mine].
Nothing is more assuring for God's covenant people than to know that even as we suffer afflictions in this passing evil world, we shall ultimately reign with Christ forever! (Revelation 20:6).
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the book of Job mirrors the sufferings of Christ and His saints and the reward that awaits us in heaven. This passing evil world can neither comprehend us fully nor adequately explain the secret of the joy that we have in Christ. God alone knows us in every conceivable dimension. Satan cannot circumvent our destiny in Christ. His fate is sealed. His destiny is in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15). Yes, God permits trials and afflictions on believers to fortify their faith in Christ. These trials therefore serve God's purposes for us. They are not meant to destroy us and neither will they separate us from Christ. If you are going through trials in life, look to Jesus who died to redeem us.
For instance, some scientists and atheistic philosophers have attempted to explain the origin of the universe through scientific existential theories without success. They have failed to offer convincing findings in their theories. The Bible teaches in 1 Corinthians 1:19 that God will destroy the wisdom of the wise and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. The revelation of God can only be discerned through the word of God and not through scientific research or human philosophy.
The Bible contains the full and final revelation of God to man. Those who reject or ridicule the divine works of Jesus Christ are lost in sinful depravity and, like Eliphaz, Zophar, and Bildad, can only be restored to God though repentance. Nothing but the blood of Jesus can cleanse sin.
4) SATAN IS THE ACCUSER OF THE BRETHREN
Our eternal security is anchored in Christ. Satan was defeated at Calvary. His words of deceit do not count anymore. Only Christ's blood speaks better things than Abel's (Hebrews 12:24). The Bible asks in Romans 8:33, "who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth." There is absolutely nothing to fear if we are in Christ. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. The destiny of Satan and his angels is eternally sealed. They will be consigned to eternal damnation in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15).
5) THE RESTORATION OF JOB
The restoration of Job mirrors our final restoration in Christ which will usher us to eternal glory when He shall be revealed (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
The Bible proclaims in Romans 8:17 that "If children [of God], then we are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him [Christ], that we may be glorified together." [emphasis mine].
Nothing is more assuring for God's covenant people than to know that even as we suffer afflictions in this passing evil world, we shall ultimately reign with Christ forever! (Revelation 20:6).
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the book of Job mirrors the sufferings of Christ and His saints and the reward that awaits us in heaven. This passing evil world can neither comprehend us fully nor adequately explain the secret of the joy that we have in Christ. God alone knows us in every conceivable dimension. Satan cannot circumvent our destiny in Christ. His fate is sealed. His destiny is in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15). Yes, God permits trials and afflictions on believers to fortify their faith in Christ. These trials therefore serve God's purposes for us. They are not meant to destroy us and neither will they separate us from Christ. If you are going through trials in life, look to Jesus who died to redeem us.
Let us therefore rejoice that our hope is secure and our future sealed in Christ Jesus because, as Scripture teaches, "we are dead to this world and our life is hid with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3).
Keep it Christ!
Shalom
© Ezekiel Kimosop 2019
Shalom
© Ezekiel Kimosop 2019
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