Job’s Narrow Perspective

Synopsis     Job 29:11-30:26     7/8/2021 

After Job finished speaking with his friends, he appealed directly to God. In his appeal, he recounted his past life. In this way, he pointed out how he had esteemed the downcast. And he reminded God how he had once been a source of justice for others in his community. 

However, now that he seemed cursed, no one paid attention to him. As a result, he was no longer a source of justice for others. Instead, inconsequential men now mocked him. 

Finally, in this part of his appeal, he observed how the more he sought God through this trial, the fewer answers he received.  

Job’s Narrowed Perspective 

There is a persistent irony in Job’s story. To Job, his suffering seemed meaningless. And yet, Job’s story is the first among the books on wisdom. It is the first book of Wisdom literature. 

This happened because his physical and emotional suffering caused him to overfocus on himself. He lost focus on the fact that God was using his circumstances to communicate wisdom to the people of the world. 

If he had known there was an important reason for his suffering, he would have more willingly and courageously accepted it.  

Wider Reality 

Sometimes people say, “Give God room to be God”. It’s one of those expressions that is easy to say. But often it is very hard to hear.  

But don’t be fooled. Inevitably Christ’s disciples suffer. And Jesus taught us to expect as much.  

So, as disciples, our consolation will never be that life is pleasant. In fact, it is dangerous to think in these terms. Jesus said, “Take up your cross…” But as you do, keep focused on your loving willingness for His cause – whatever that may be. And then, your consolation will emerge from the value of participating in His will alone. 

“I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.” Phil 4:12-13