“There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one that feared God and shunned evil.”  Job 1:1

If the Bible were arranged in chronological order, the first book would be the Book of Job.  Job dates back to the period before the patriarchs.  Clues found in its’ writing indicate Job lived about 2100 to 1800 BC.  According to Job 42:16, Job lived an additional 140 years after the tragedies of his life occurred, about 210 years in total.  His lifespan corresponds to the lives of Abraham’s father (Terah), Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  Also, Job’s wealth, like Abraham, was measured in the livestock he possessed:  “several thousand sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, 500 donkeys, and many servants.  He was the greatest man among all the people of the East.” Job 1:3.  Like the patriarchs, twenty times Job used the title “God Almighty,” when addressing God.  The book of Job does not mention the Law of Moses; Job’s daughters were equal heirs with his sons, and Job himself, though not a priest, offered sacrifices as the head of the household, something not possible under the Law of Moses.  His wealth was measured by the size of his herds and the unique silver coins he possessed.  Both herds and silver were used as ancient systems of money during that time period.  The names of Job’s sons were also common before and during the time of the patriarchs.

Recently, the name of Job has been popping up in my devotionals as a subject of one who suffered and lost all he possessed, including his children.  His response to these tragedies?  He fell to the ground in worship and said…..the Lord gave and the Lord has taken away, may the name of the Lord be praised!” Job1:20-21.  I wondered, who taught Job about God?  Where did he learn about the sovereignty of God, that He was to be feared and honored above all as the Lord Almighty?  The Lord told Satan, “There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil,” Job 1:8.  It seems in the ancient world, there were a few people who honored the Lord and understood the Creator God.  Job lived in the land of Uz.  Most Bible scholars believe Uz was east of the Jordan valley and included Edom.  Job was likely a descendant of Noah’s son Shem (1 Chronicles 1:17) and that appears to be where the line of faith descended and was taught to the generations following.

We often ask ourselves, “Why does God allow suffering?”  We look at our world today and see so much that causes heartbreak and pain.  The worldwide pandemic going on outside our homes, thousands of people being infected by the coronavirus, death, destruction of property, looting, burning, evil and hatred.  It seems the world has gone mad!  What does God have in mind?  The book of Job helps us understand that Satan cannot bring financial and physical destruction on us unless it is by God’s permission.  God has power over what Satan can and cannot do.  It is beyond our ability to understand the “why’s” of all the suffering in the world.  The wicked will receive their just dues.  Suffering may be allowed in our lives to purify, test, teach, or strengthen us.  God remains enough and He deserves our love, praise and worship in all circumstances of life!  Job teaches us to trust God, not only WHEN we do not understand, but BECAUSE we do not understand.  The psalmist tells us, “As for God, His way is perfect,” Psalm 18:30.  Take a minute to thank Him for His loving care to each of His children!  He remains faithful!

Your friend,  Jean