What are we to think, feel, and say when we suffer? What questions may we entertain; does God consider some to be ‘out of bounds’? One of the striking things about the book is how patient and gracious God is to Job, in spite of some of the troubling things he said to his friends or about God. In defending himself against the “retribution” theology of his friends, he began to insist upon his own righteousness at the expense of God’s justice. In 13:23-24 he said, “Make me know my transgression and my sin. Why dost thou hide thy face, and count me as thy enemy?” He continues, “Oh, that I knew where I might find him, that I might come even to his seat! I would lay my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments. (23:3-4) … Why are not times of judgment kept by the almighty, and why do those who know him never see his days. (24:1)”
Though the Lord does put Job in his place: “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? (38:2)” and “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? (38:4)”, his righteous anger was reserved for Job’s friends: “you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has. (42:7)” Evidently, God’s mercy covered much of what Job said. Ultimately, God dealt with the substance of Job’s complaint rather than his dramatic ranting. Moreover, the Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he had prayed for his friends. (42:10)
Something to Praise:
As a whole, the Book of Job is encouragement for those who suffer, for the Lord who is gracious with Job will be gracious with you. There will likely be days when your faith seems faint and fickle, yet God will remain. He never leaves nor forsakes (Deut 31:6; Heb 13:5); his steadfast love never fades (Lamentations 3:22); his mercy endures forever (Jer 33:11). In the New Testament it is Job’s faithful endurance that is remembered, not his intemperate complaints: “Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. (James 5:11)”