Read Job 1:1-5
We’re about to journey through a book in the Bible that is one of a kind. It’s about a man named Job. He’s not a prophet like Jeremiah or a king like David. Job was just a regular guy. We’re going to get up close and personal with Job as he walks through some very difficult times.
I picture Job as someone I would look up to, even though I am probably his “elder” in terms of my age versus his age. But we’re told he was “ blameless—a man of complete integrity.” What a respectful way to be remembered. I feel integrity may be becoming a lost art, especially when it means standing up for the truth of Scripture versus the other messages of the world tempting us with their attractiveness.
Job was a family man. He had more children than most people have these days. It’s always great to hear stories from “big” families because the growing up experience would have been so curiously different. Job loved his children and wanted the best for them.
Job was a holy man. He was God-fearing and sought forgiveness for his children’s sinfulness. Job knew God wanted this type obedience from his children. God just wants us to ask him for what we need, ask him to forgive our sins.
Job was a rich man. The Bible even tells us he was the richest man in the area. Think of the richest person in your area. How do they act in public? Are they attention seekers or devoted believers who give generously as the Spirit guides? That’s how I picture Job behaving. I’ve been blessed to know “rich” people who are very generous with their resources, and also seen the exact opposite living very selfish and extravagant lifestyles with no regard for others. That is not how I picture Job.
As we walk through the book of Job, we are going to hear from Job as well as his friends. It will be interesting to pay attention to the different perspectives. We might find some recognizable arguments and questions raised.
Not to be a “spoiler” but we will encounter some less than pleasant things on our journey through Job. I’m sure we’ll all be able to relate in some way to Job’s situations because we know lots of people around us walking very different journeys through life. You may be facing something totally different than your neighbor, but that doesn’t discount the troubles we all face. We may even discover some silent suffering in our midst.
If you ever need to get a break from the heaviness of the Job texts, or if it REALLY strikes a chord and you just need to take a minute, do it. Grab one of my psalms or texts from Philippians and just marvel at the beauty of God’s word and how it teaches us in every moment.
We’ll learn so much about our Heavenly Father in this book. It should be a great journey, and I’m glad we’re doing this together. If you want to connect in the Devotions on the Go! Facebook group, you can join here.
Let’s pray. Father, thank you for the life of Job and how he gives me this good example of a holy man. I look forward to seeing how he handles all that he endures. I pray that people see me as full of integrity and loving you, LORD. I can’t think of any better identity than as your child. I pray that my actions and words are pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
