Tuesday 19th August Job 1.1-22

INTRODUCTION OF THE BOOK OF JOB

This book expounds on the story of a man named Job, a wise and wealthy man; who was so much devoted to God. He could have existed during the time of Abraham. Some people say that its author is unknown, while the others say that it was written by Moses when he was in Midian, and others that it was written by Job himself around 950-900 BC. Job was a very wealthy man, but all his possessions were taken away: property, children, and even his welfare. The story ends with Job recovering his position as a wealthy man. The book illustrates God’s Sovereignty. No one can alter his plans upon our lives. It’s a book which teaches that God allows his people go through hardships for various reasons as follows: 1) That people may lead live more faithfully even as righteous as Job (1.8); 2) That people may be more cleansed like gold refined by fire, getting rid of all impurities; 3) That God may be glorified among his people, this is the basis of Job’s victory. Job’s case teaches us that people’s afflictions do not always originate from the sins they may have committed. Jesus also confirmed that in his teachings (Luke 13.1-5; Jn. 9.1-3). This book of Job is made up of five (5) main sections: 1. The root cause of Job’s afflictions (1-2); 2. The discussions of Job and his friends (3-31); 3. Elihu (32-37); 4. God’s dialogue with Job, through which he repented (38-42.6); 5. The results of God’s approval of Job (42.7-17).

Qn. 1, 3

…, “It may be that my children have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did continually (5): Like any other Christian parent, Job could be worried about his children behavior there in the feast, whether they could have adhered to the moral values taught to them. He was rich and yet devoted to God (1-3). He approaches God in prayer that goes with offerings. Job is a good example of a parent, for it so rare to find a father praying for his children and family at large. The LORD asked Satan, “From where have you come?”….(7): Satan is not happy about God’s love for Job (10). Probably Satan looked as if he had authority over people until Jesus resurrected, having defeated death. After the resurrection, we live confidently thanks to his victory (Mat. 28.18). Jesus’ power shook Satan’s camp (Luke 10.19-20); Mar. 16.17-18). There are times when Satan gets deceived that trials can make any person curse God (11), but Job overcome because of faith (Eph. 6.16). Even as God protects us, sometimes he may accept certain issues to come our way, as he knows our strength. Warning: Guard your heart in all circumstances (Prov. 4.23).