Would our faith endure despite persecution or other suffering? Did God reject Job’s friends’ simplistic judgmental attitude that all suffering is caused by personal sin? Is present suffering sometimes completely independent of our sins? Let’s conclude in Job 42.
Did Job finally admit his total lack of understanding? What did he say to God in his repentance? Do we see God in creation?
Job said: No one can oppose you, because you have the power to do what you want. You asked why I talk so much when I know so little. I have talked about things that are far beyond my understanding. You told me to listen and answer your questions. I heard about you from others; now I have seen you with my own eyes. That's why I hate myself and sit here in dust and ashes to show my sorrow. (Job 42:1-6 CEV)
What did God say to Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar? Was Elihu perhaps partly right about the most important things? Is that why God did not correct him?
After the Lord had spoken these words to Job, the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite: “My anger burns against you and against your two friends, for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has. Now therefore take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and offer up a burnt offering for yourselves. And my servant Job shall pray for you, for I will accept his prayer not to deal with you according to your folly. For you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.” So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went and did what the Lord had told them, and the Lord accepted Job's prayer. (Job 42:7-9 ESV)
After this trial did God restore prosperity, family and friends to Job?
After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his prosperity and doubled his previous possessions. All his brothers, sisters, and former acquaintances came to his house and dined with him in his house. They sympathized with him and comforted him concerning all the adversity the Lord had brought on him. Each one gave him a qesitah [money] and a gold earring. (Job 42:10-11 HCSB)
Was Job blessed in the latter part of his life more than the first part? Did he give his daughters an equal inheritance?
The Lord blessed Job during the latter part of his life more than the former, since he owned 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 teams of oxen and 1,000 female donkeys. He also had seven sons and three daughters. He named the first daughter Jemima, the second Keziah, and the name of the third was Keren-happuch. No one could find more beautiful women in the whole land than Job’s daughters. Their father gave them their inheritance along with their brothers. Job lived 140 years after this, and saw his children and grandchildren to the fourth generation. Then Job died at an old age, having lived a full life. (Job 42:12-17 ISV)
Rather than judge as a sinner those who are suffering, should we honor their patient endurance?
Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. (James 5:11 KJV)
Would our faith endure despite persecution or other suffering? Did God reject Job’s friends’ simplistic judgmental attitude that all suffering is caused by personal sin? Is present suffering sometimes completely independent of our sins? You decide!
