The Book of Job - The Problem of Suffering

July 5th, 2025
by Pastor Nate
0
“Though God slay me, yet will I hope in Him…” – Job 13:15

Job is a book that is included in the Wisdom section of the Bible.  The book has long been understood as an extended parable offered to show how we are to respond in the face of seemingly unjust suffering, grief, and loss.
 
Maintaining faith in the face of human suffering has always troubled the hearts and minds of people and the story of Job presents a clear, albeit unsatisfying, answer to this age old question. The ultimate message of Job is to embrace the ambiguity of human suffering.  To refrain from trying to find a person to blame or a logical explanation for the events in our life that seem unfair.  Our call is to trust that God’s power and love are bigger than the present moment and more enduring than simple answers.

Overall, Job cautious us against settling on quick answers and explanations to the deep theological questions that life thrusts upon us.  Instead, our call is to honestly approach God with our real emotions and to continue to trust in the mystery and eternal nature of God despite the suffering of the current moment.  
Posted in Bible & Theology
Posted in suffering, grief, wisdom, Faith

Pastor Nate

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