Bible Study - Questions (6) - GOD Meets Us in Our Suffering - Job 30:26-31 and 42:1-6 - February 23, 2014

Bible Study – Questions (6) – GOD Meets Us in Our Suffering – February 23, 2014

This is lesson six (6) and our final lesson in our series entitled “Real Questions People Ask.”

Our scripture is Job 30:26-31; 42:1-6.

GOD meets us in our suffering.

If GOD is good, all powerful and loves humans, “Why is there suffering in the world?” This is likely one of the most often asked questions regarding GOD. Why do bad things happen to good people or innocent children? First of all, we live in an evil world. In our lesson, Job (jobe) was a good man of integrity, who honored and respected GOD.

This study of Job may challenge many but we must keep in mind that GOD is sovereign. HE knows us in infinite detail and the end result of a test HE allows. Bad things that happen to people can be the result of several situations:

-         As we will see in this study, GOD can allow testing in our lives for any number of purposes.

-         Natural causes. The result of living in the world.

-         A  Christian can remove him or herself from the circle of protection of GOD through certain desires that lead to sin. When he or she breaks the law such as murder, stealing, and so forth, he or she suffers the consequence(s) of sin under the law. James the brother of JESUS makes it clear that in these circumstances GOD is not involved in the allowing. GOD, in HIS wisdom, chooses not to intervene and override some of the choices people make – James 1:12-15: (12) A man who endures trials is blessed, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. (13) No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God.” For God is not tempted by evil, and He Himself doesn’t tempt anyone. (14) But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires. (15) Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.

Bible scholars are not sure who wrote the book of Job. Some think it was the first book written, possibly written by Moses. Other Bible scholars believe it was written by Job or Elihu. It is estimated to have been written 2000-1800 BC.

The Book of Job deals with the important subject of suffering and gives us a look behind the scenes of life and spiritual life. The Apostle Peter reveals that in 1 Peter 5:8-9:

8 Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. 9 Resist him and be firm in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.

Satan was roaming earth seeking someone to devour. A roaring lion is a hungry lion.  Satan still roams earth today, seeking who he can devour. GOD suggested Job because Job loved GOD and was a GOD fearing, honest person. GOD knew Job and his heart toward HIM. But did Job know GOD or just about GOD. When we are tested our true relationship with GOD is revealed. Is it genuine or fake?

Satan told GOD that Job worshipped HIM because of his prosperity. Chapter one of Job gives the details of Job’s first test. GOD allowed Satan to take all of Job’s possessions including his family. When that did not result in Job cursing GOD, Satan told GOD in Job 2:4-7:

4 “Skin for skin!” Satan answered the Lord. “A man will give up everything he owns in exchange for his life. 5 But stretch out Your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse You to Your face.” 6 “Very well,” the Lord told Satan, “he is in your power; only spare his life.” 7 So Satan left the Lord’s presence and infected Job with terrible boils from the sole of his foot to the top of his head.

The second test began.

We have the opportunity to read the complete story regarding Job, whereas, when we are in the midst of suffering we only get to see part of it moment by moment as it unfolds in our lives. During these times, we have to trust in GOD bringing about the conclusion. There are a few times when we have the opportunity to look back and see how the role of what we suffered was in the plan of GOD for us. We need to keep in mind 2 Corinthians 1:3-4:

3 Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

We live upon earth, which is not heaven. Sin has entered earth and bad things happen. When things go wrong it is Satan who is the culprit. Yes, Satan entices and lures. GOD is in control of all who are HIS children. That does not mean smooth sailing but it does mean that Satan must get GOD’S permission to attack you unless you remove yourself from HIS protective care. 

In the Garden of Eden, GOD told Adam and Eve if they ate the fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, they would die. Up until the time they disobeyed GOD, they had eternal life. They had a perfect relationship with GOD and the freedom to eat the fruit from any tree in the garden except that one tree, the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

The Tree of Life was in the garden and they were not forbidden to eat its fruit. But after they sinned, GOD had to guard the Tree of Life to prevent them and their off-spring from eating the fruit from the Tree of Life or else they and their offspring would live forever in their fallen state. Some people may think that it would great to live forever, even in this fallen state. But how would you like to live in an evil world being tortured and tormented without any way to escape or die while experiencing unthinkable pain forever. Often, death is a blessing.

The story of Job gives us insight into matters that go on in the spiritual realm. Is this a real story or a myth? I believe it to be real.

At first glance, it appears that a contest was taking place between GOD and Satan. But clearly GOD was in control of Satan and Job had the freedom to choose. We need to examine the complete story to see the end result. Those who have been through difficult times have likely questioned GOD but after a time, they have likely come to the point of acknowledging GOD’S sovereignty, wisdom and authority. But I can tell you it is not an easy journey.

In our lesson, we will see that Job questioned GOD and GOD answered him when Job paused long enough to listen to GOD. Over the years, I have had my list of questions I planned to ask HIM when I get to heaven. But most, if not all, of my questions are now mute. I have concluded that HE is right and I must trust HIS judgment. Let’s explore!

First, let’s look at background scripture to get an understanding of what was going on with Job as recorded in Job 2:1-10:

Satan’s Second Test of Job (This was after GOD allowed Satan to take Job’s family and possessions. This time Satan had GOD’S permission to attack Job personally.)

1 One day the sons of God came again to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them to present himself before the Lord. 2 The Lord asked Satan, “Where have you come from?” “From roaming through the earth,” Satan answered Him, “and walking around on it.” 3 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? No one else on earth is like him, a man of perfect integrity, who • fears God and turns away from evil. He still retains his integrity, even though you incited Me against him, to destroy him without just cause.” 4 “Skin for skin!” Satan answered the Lord. “A man will give up everything he owns in exchange for his life. 5 But stretch out Your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse You to Your face.” 6 “Very well,” the Lord told Satan, “he is in your power; only spare his life.” 7 So Satan left the Lord’s presence and infected Job with terrible boils from the sole of his foot to the top of his head. 8 Then Job took a piece of broken pottery to scrape himself while he sat among the ashes. 9 His wife said to him, “Do you still retain your integrity? Curse God and die!” 10 “You speak as a foolish woman speaks,” he told her. “Should we accept only good from God and not adversity?” Throughout all this Job did not sin in what he said.

This was the second time GOD mentioned Job to Satan. Notice that GOD had to give Satan permission to test Job. Why would GOD allow the righteous to be tested? HE knows what they are made of and the end result. HE knows when the test is over they will be stronger, on solid Spiritual ground and in a firm relationship with HIM.

We know that Job’s family was destroyed in the first test. HIS tests are to validate truth and to reveal that which is genuine. Plus there is more going on in heaven than we know.

I know that it is difficult to impossible to validate Spiritual teachings and insight revealed by GOD to other Christians. Many years ago, GOD revealed an added dimension and understanding regarding those who suffer and die.

A number of years ago, I was upset with GOD because HE had not healed a lady of cancer for whom we had been praying. Then another lady had died of cancer for which we had been praying. I was upset with GOD. I was at that stage of my Spiritual growth that I thought if I asked it, it would be done. I was an immature Christian who thought GOD should jump to my requests. There were two people we had prayed for and both died. This was not a good track record for answering prayer.

Anyway, I was at the lake on my boat which was tied to the dock. I was having a serious conversation with the LORD. HE brought to mind a certain lady that had cancer for whom we had been praying.

The conversation went much like this and abbreviated:

GOD asked me, do you remember a certain lady who had cancer for whom you had been praying? Yes, I replied. GOD said, I did not cause her to have cancer but when she learned that she had cancer her desire was to glorify ME through her cancer. HE said, only eternity will reveal the number of doctors, nurses, friends, relatives and visitors who were influenced by her witness during her time of fighting cancer. It was much like being a martyr.

When she died, I met her and wrapped my arms around her and said, “Well done, MY good and faithful servant.” We turned and walked down the streets of gold which were lined with the saints cheering that she had remained faithful and that she had overcome. Then HE asked me, “Would you deny that for anyone?” I said, “No!”

More goes on in heaven than we know. The words of the Apostle Paul come to mind in 1 Corinthians 2:6-10 which allude to things yet to be made known.

1 Corinthians 2:6-10:

6 However, we do speak a wisdom among the mature, but not a wisdom of this age, or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 On the contrary, we speak God’s hidden wisdom in a • mystery, a wisdom God predestined before the ages for our glory. 8 None of the rulers of this age knew this wisdom, for if they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written: What eye did not see and ear did not hear, and what never entered the human mind— God prepared this for those who love Him. 10 Now God has revealed these things to us by the Spirit, for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.  

I believe what we as Christians know about eternity with GOD, through faith in CHRIST and the Bible, is only a drop in the bucket of what it will be like when we get to heaven. If we think earth is beautiful, no one has seen, heard or even in their wildest imagination thought of what heaven is like. There are no human words to describe it.

A friend of mind was pronounced dead after he had been in the hospital for several days following an automobile accident. He was a seminary student. His body was moved to the basement of the hospital for the funeral home to pick up. A nurse passing by his body happened to see his eyelid move and she immediately began to resuscitate him. During that period of time he was pronounced dead, HE went to heaven. He told me that he saw many things but there were no human words to describe what he saw.

This life will soon pass but eternity is forever. Obedient service for the LORD is what will last in heaven. No one likes to suffer. Did Job suffer without questions? No. Let’s continue.

We all experience suffering, even those who seek after good.

Let’s read Job 30:26-31: (Job pleads his case to GOD. These verses are a portion of a speech Job began in Job 29:1.)

25 Have I not wept for those who have fallen on hard times? Has my soul not grieved for the needy? 26 But when I hoped for good, evil came; when I looked for light, darkness came. 27 I am churning within and cannot rest; days of suffering confront me. 28 I walk about blackened, but not by the sun. I stood in the assembly and cried out for help. 29 I have become a brother to jackals and a companion of ostriches. 30 My skin blackens and flakes off, and my bones burn with fever. 31 My lyre is used for mourning and my flute for the sound of weeping.

Job reminds GOD of how he has reached out to others in the name of GOD during their time of need. Now, he is in need but it seems as if no one will help him. Even You, GOD, have abandoned me in my time of need. Job felt like he had become a dreaded disease to others and those who could help him have turned their backs on him, even GOD. In his condition, Job’s only companions were animals. The musical instruments that used to make merry music now play only sad mournful, death music.

Hope for deliverance is gone. Darkness had overtaken him. He desired light but got darkness. Many have felt like this and during these times hope and trust in GOD is our strength. During these times Job spoke honestly with GOD.

Let’s consider Job 32:1-6: (Elihu)

1 So these three men quit answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 2 Then Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite from the family of Ram became angry. He was angry at Job because he had justified himself rather than God. 3 He was also angry at Job’s three friends because they had failed to refute him and yet had condemned him. 4 Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because they were all older than he. 5 But when he saw that the three men could not answer Job, he became angry. 6 So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite replied: (Go to the Bible to read Elihu’s reply.)

The young man Elihu responded to Job’s friends and to Job. Elihu is one of the possible writers of the Book of Job. In Chapter 38, GOD spoke to Job and bombarded him with questions. In Chapter 40, GOD demands that Job answer all of HIS questions. This continued to Chapter 42 where we see that Job replies to the LORD and reality comes into focus for Job.

We cannot understand why we are suffering but we can know that GOD is sovereign.

Let’s read Job 42:1-2:

1 Then Job replied to the Lord:

 2 I know that You can do anything and no plan of Yours can be thwarted. 3 You asked, “Who is this who conceals My counsel with ignorance?” Surely I spoke about things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.

Background leading up to verse 1:

Job had demanded an audience with GOD. Job’s desire was to explain himself to GOD and he hoped that GOD would in turn tell him why he was suffering. Job got his audience with GOD but GOD did not provide a satisfactory explanation to him. Instead GOD challenged some of Job’s demands and pointed out to Job that HE alone is GOD. HE is sovereign and as such HE did not have to explain Himself. The Spiritual light of GOD began to dawn on Job. Job had been seeking an explanation for his plight instead of seeing GOD as sovereign and in control of all things in the universe. GOD’S plans are designed to accomplish a purpose beyond human comprehension, unless revealed to humans by GOD. When this truth dawned on Job, he responded to GOD by calling HIM “Yahweh” which is the personal, covenant name of GOD. This reveals that Job began to see GOD differently and more intimately. Job saw GOD as the true light, with whom he had built a personal relationship which could never be done be worshipping false gods. Job confessed that Yahweh is GOD and has the right and power to act as GOD. We see that Job’s attitude toward GOD had changed in verse two.

Verse 3 is a quotation of verse 2 from Job 38:1-3 (1 Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind. He said: 2 Who is this who obscures My counsel with ignorant words? 3 Get ready to answer Me like a man; when I question you, you will inform Me.)

In this scripture, Job, in essence, told GOD that HE was correct. What human would dare question or attempt to cover up GOD’S plans when, in fact, mere humans had no clue what they were talking about because they are finite and GOD is infinite. Job acknowledged to GOD that he, Job, did not know what he was talking about. GOD’S ways, thoughts and plans were beyond his comprehension. Job was building trust in GOD because he recognized that GOD was in control of all matters including the plans and efforts of humans, Satan and his demons.

Christians are not to remove themselves from the protective circle of GOD. Having the right relationship with GOD through CHRIST is vital in building and maintaining an intimate relationship with GOD.

Bottom line, Job saw that GOD had his best interest in mind even when GOD allowed these challenging things to come into his life. When bad things come into our lives we tend to lash out at GOD, when we should draw closer to HIM. That takes Spiritual maturity.  

We can experience the presence of GOD even in the midst of suffering, which should lead us to repent and draw closer to GOD.

Let’s read Job 42:4-6:

4 You said, “Listen now, and I will speak. When I question you, you will inform Me.” 5 I had heard rumors about You, but now my eyes have seen You. 6 Therefore I take back my words and repent in dust and ashes.

Job had asked for an audience with GOD. Verses 1-3 are a confession and opens the way to repentance as expressed in verses 4-6. Job repeated what GOD had stated in Job 38:3 “Get ready to answer Me like a man; when I question you, you will inform Me.” Job wanted an audience with GOD and GOD had granted it. GOD wanted Job to listen carefully to what HE had to say to him.

Notice that GOD, in essence, told Job earlier, “Since you know so much, I am going to ask you questions and you will give ME the answers.” In verse 5, Job confessed that he had depended upon others telling him about GOD but now he knew GOD personally and intimately, through relationship. Job was at peace with GOD. Job sees truth and when he compared himself to GOD he saw his faults and doing so led him to repent.

The Hebrew word used for repent is “nacham” which is different than the typical Hebrew word used for repent “shub” which in essence means to turn around from the direction you are going. Nacham carries the idea of “to breathe heavily” such as to “a sigh of grief” or “a sigh of relief.” It comes across to me that Job was saying, “finally I get it.” “It has been a long, hard process but I understand it. It was worth it because I now know GOD as I have never known HIM, HE is real and HE is truth.”

Suffering can either draw us closer to GOD or drive a wedge between us and GOD. Blessings!!!