Bible Reading <Job>

The book of Job raises question, of "Why do the righteous suffer?". Job provides an unique and often mis-understood answer. The message of Job is vital to us today as we try to do right, and yet find that despite best efforts, sometimes problems and suffering follow. Job's knowledge of God is incomplete, he certainly knew enough to have a faith relationship with Him, and to live a moral life. Job viewed God as personal and at the same time, transcendant. God is beyond nature, and yet master of the world He made.

Job 3-37 consists of three cycles of dialogues concerning divine justice.   Job has three friends who come to comfort him.  They argue that people suffer because of wrongdoing.  Therefore, Job must be afflicted because of what he or his children have done.  Job rejects this idea and insists that his suffering is undeserved and therefore unjust.  A fourth friend concludes the cycles by arguing that God uses pain to bring repentance.

Job 42 tells of Job's repentance and restoration.  Job turns from his accusations against God and prays that God will be merciful to his friends.  In the end, Job is blessed with a new family, wealth, and long life.