Posts Tagged ‘Job 23:16-17’

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Br. David Vryhof

Job 23:1-9, 16-17  

Poor Job.  In the midst of a prosperous life, he suddenly meets with a series of calamities.  His fortune disappears, his sheep and camels are stolen, his children die in a tragic accident, and he finds himself banished to the edge of the city, diseased and covered with nasty sores.

But Job’s suffering goes beyond these tragic physical losses.  He also suffers emotionally because he cannot understand WHY this has happened to him.  Has God abandoned him?  Is God punishing him?

Despite all his troubles, Job refuses to curse God.  His response is remarkable: “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away,” he says, “Blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21)

Three friends, learning of his misfortune, travel to see him and to offer comfort.  And at first, they do just that.  They cry out to God, they tear their clothes, they sprinkle ashes on their heads, and they sit in silence with him for seven days and seven nights.  But then their patience runs out and they feel compelled to offer their opinions about WHY Job has suffered this string of tragedies. Read More