JOB: An Introduction

Introduction

Job 1-3

Job is one of the few books in the Bible that is often read as a timeless work of literature by those in secular academia. I recall my first experience with Job was in Freshman Literature, which was before I surrendered my life to Christ. It was presented in class right alongside other works from the ancient world like Homer, Milton and Dante. The poetic speeches and the elements of prose made the book a true work of art. Most scholars agree that there is likely not just one author for the work that we currently have in our scriptures, nor can a date be established since it was likely developed over a long period of time.

The book contains multiple forms of literary elements like narrative, proverbs, poetic dialogues and laments, so it is very easy to misunderstand and misuse much of what is written in Job, just like in Ecclesiastes. This book is a notorious source for people who choose to take something out of context to fit their ill-devised ideology. 

Job has all the elements of a great story. It begins in a beautiful setting with a good man and a wonderful family. Lush pastures surrounded them where life is good. Then, behind the scenes, a plot is hatched to disrupt this idyllic setting by unseen characters. Drama ensues and the tranquil lives of good people are radically altered by destruction and devastation. The hero is thrust into the middle of a celestial conflict between good and evil, and he is stuck on an ash heap of hopes and dreams. For the next 36 chapters, character development takes center stage while our hero Job wrestles with empty philosophies, bankrupt dogma, and the misapplied doctrines of his day as personified by his “friends”.

 Many people who read Job just scan through these 36 chapters and hurry to chapter 38 where God finally speaks and brings the conclusion to this drama. However, there is a depth to the context if you know what to look for. For this blog series, I have endeavored to bring forth a character study to help you understand the context of these often frustrating 36 chapters. My hope is that chapters 38-42 will mean so much more to you as a result of struggling along with our friend Job.

Watch, Pray and Go

Watch, Pray and Go by Dave Wilson with Anne Kjeldgaard and Katie Brown

Anne and Katie are the Coordinators for the mission course called “Perspectives on the World Christian Movement”. This is a 15 week course that we offer here at Trinity every other year. Katie is a teacher and Anne will soon be leaving the US to love Muslims in Jesus name.

Matthew 26-28

The conclusion of the Gospel of Matthew is filled with tension and suspense which leads to the death of our Lord Jesus Christ and then his glorious resurrection and final instructions to His followers. “God’s Will” is challenged and questioned throughout this entire dramatic conclusion of the book. While interacting with Katie and Anne about this passage, I realized that the mission of God in this world was brought to life through the death of His son. Instead of keeping the job all to Himself, Jesus unleashed His spirit into the lives of His followers to whom He has delegated the work of sharing the hope of everlasting and eternal life.

In the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus asked His disciples to ‘watch and pray’. Of course, Jesus knew what was ahead of them, so He encouraged them to be alert to the work of their Father in Heaven. The life that we are called into as Christ followers is not easy, but the comforting thing is that Jesus will always be with us no matter what may happen. And it is okay to question God in the midst of a trial or hardship. Jesus prayed and asked to be released from His fate, but he was resolute to do what the Father wanted. That should be our goal as well when we pray.

Jesus also sent His followers out on a mission. They were to watch for where God was calling them, and then pray and question the Father about the calling - just as Jesus did in the garden. But, His followers are also commissioned to ‘go’. The last recorded words of Christ in this gospel (Matthew 28:18-20) give very specific directions on what to do next. He could have said “go and be good people.” Or “go and do good works.” Or “go and be healthy, wealthy and wise.” But based on His authority, we are to go and make disciples. We are to baptize them and teach them. And not just here at home, but in all nations. This command is for all true believers, no matter if the calling is to go all the way around the world or if you just simply need to get off the couch and tell a friend.