Daily Devotion

We have completed our journey through Job. Over the next few days, we will reflect on what we have learned. Job conveys many profound theological truths and raises several important theological questions. We will revisit some of those truths and questions.

Job never broke. Satan accused Job of loving God solely for the blessings he received. The devil speculated that Job would curse God to his face if those blessings were withdrawn (Job 1:11, 2:5). Therefore, Job was tested. He faced overwhelming emotional and physical pain and endured harsh criticism from his friends; nonetheless, he prayed for them. Eventually, Job accused God— a sin for which he later repented. Through all of this, Job’s faith never wavered. The Lord honored Job’s prayer for his three friends and blessed him again.

So, let’s suppose someone has hurt you. Their words were reckless and pierced like a sword. They insisted that you had done something wrong and refused to listen to your defense. They came at you again and again. And then…God told you to pray for them. That is what God instructed Job to do.

Job’s friends tried to persuade him that the tragedies in his life were the result of sin. Job knew this was not true. He had trusted in God alone, by grace alone, through faith alone. That initial repentance empowered him to live a life devoted to God. Because God transformed his heart, Job led a blameless, upright, and obedient life. Job never claimed perfection, but he was adamant that, with the Lord’s help, he had been striving to follow him closely.

Job was ready to challenge the Almighty and did not hold back with his questions. God, in turn, did not hold back with his answers. He told Job, "You were not present at creation; you cannot control my creation, nor can you overpower two of the great creatures I made.” God then asked, “Who are you to question me when you cannot comprehend the mind of the Creator, control the ways of the Creator, or conquer what I created?” When confronted by God, Job reacted in two ways: first, he was humbled, and then he repented.

God spoke, and Job listened. Job had called God to the witness stand, but instead, God told Job to brace himself because questions would be directed at him. As the book's narrative approaches its conclusion, Job’s words are few. First, he expresses his humility (40:1-5). Then, Job begins a statement of repentance by acknowledging God’s sovereignty.

Arthur Gossip’s wife suddenly passed away, leaving him devastated. As the pastor of a thriving church in Scotland, he felt lost and uncertain about how he would endure. It’s one thing to minister to those experiencing loss; it’s another when it becomes personal…and so painful.

Job also had a control problem. His pain brought him to the brink of demanding that God answer every one of his questions. He wanted to call God to the witness stand and drill him with inquiries. But the Almighty turned the tables. From Job 38 to 41, God peppers Job with over seventy questions focused on creation.

Job was a renowned individual with a diverse and prosperous business, financial stability, and the love and support of a large family. He was generous to widows and those in need, serving as a mentor and respected counselor. He loved God and was a spiritual leader in his community. However, everything fell apart in his life. The man who was on top of the world was brought low.