Men Of The Bible - Job Series

Perhaps one of the most amazing men in the Bible and the one we can learn the most from, especially in today’s world, is the man named Job.

There are two ways to look at this man’s life. One from an earthly perspective and the other is from God’s perspective.

How many of us can say from one moment to another, what is going on in heaven? What is God doing? Who is he talking to? We simply cannot know and so much of what goes on in the spiritual realm is a mystery and hidden to us.

Let’s first look at Job from an earthly or human perspective.

Job 1:13-15 (NASB)

13 Now on the day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house,

14 a messenger came to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them,

15 and the Sabeans attacked and took them. They also slew the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you."

Not the kind of news you want to hear while your family is having dinner and you are probably doing some last minute things before joining them.

Job 1:16 (NASB)

16 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, "The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you."

So first all Job’s field animals and servants are killed and now all Job’s sheep and the servants who tended them. Wow! What are the odds

Job 1:17 (NASB)

17 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, "The Chaldeans formed three bands and made a raid on the camels and took them and slew the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you."

Oh come on. First the field animals, then the sheep and now the transportation animals and more servants killed?

Job 1:18-19 (NASB)

18 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, "Your sons and your daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house,

19 and behold, a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people and they died, and I alone have escaped to tell you."

There is probably not one member of our family here at South Shore, who is not going through some form of difficulty. Some more serious than others to be sure.

Financial, job related, relational, physical or spiritual struggles.

At times they can become quite overwhelming.

I mean we all know difficult times are a part of life but at times it seems we get far more than our share and we just don’t think it’s fair.

I remember after my two sisters died that my mom went through a period where she was extremely angry with God. It was not until years later that she admitted, that each night, instead of her regular prayer time, she would scream at God.

It’s just not fair. One daughter would have been devastating but losing both is just more than I can bear. How dare you. Wasn’t there anyone else you could have brought such sorrow to besides me?

First the one half of his income is taken. His crop animals and all his servants. And then his second source of income – the sheep whose wool brings a good amount of money and more servants.

Then I guess God figured, since Job has no produce he can do without the animals he uses to take them to market.

But then you take his entire family. Sons, daughters, their spouses. All gone in an instant. What would be your response?

What would you say to God?

Job 1:20-22 (NASB)

20 Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped.

21 He said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD."

22 Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God.

Now I can understand the tearing of his clothes. Often it is called renting. It is a sign of something so terrible that has been said or done that this is the only adequate response.

The shaving of the head was a sign of extreme mourning and grief and he is so dejected that finally he collapses to the ground.

But then we read something interesting. Job worshipped God. WHAT!

Worship is a sign of giving worth. Showing the precious value you hold for something or someone.