In Process

Many of us have wrong ideas about the book of Job in the Old Testament. We have always said the primary theme was that of “suffering”. And yet, more correctly, it seeks to help us decide “what is the meaning of faith?”

Also, we believed that Job represented the epitome of patience. In reality, he was at times a man of terrible impatience.

We have declared that this book says, if you trust in God, everything will come out all right, and that if you don’t lose faith, your story will come out with a happy ending. But the “happy ending” people should not look here. For although the last seven verses of the last chapter affirm that God made everything turn out O.K., the author is really saying, “I doubt that!”

His book uses an ancient legend about a great heavenly contest between God and Satan with Job as the innocent victim. The theme of a righteous man suffering because he is being tested by rival deities, or divine beings is an old one. It comes out of several of the ancient religions.

The author concludes the story as he does to keep intact the ancient material, but his basic question throughout the writing is “What is the meaning of faith?” “What is a man’s relation to God?” “Does a man believe in God for nothing, or because it gets him something?”

It calls into question our reason for being Christians. Are we Christian because we think it will be good for us…good for our business...good for our standing in the community? Or, are we Christians simply because we believe this is the only relationship there ought to be between God as He is and people as they are? Are we Christians because we believe that what Jesus said is basic truth, whether it brings us prosperity or adversity? Are we able to say with Job, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust Him”? (Job 13:15)

Do we trust Him, because we believe He will protect us, and shelter us, and no evil will befall us? Do we trust Him, because we believe He will prosper us, and make us great? Doesn’t the New Testament really teach, that if we trust Him and are faithful, that God may even reward us with suffering and persecution?

Rewards? Yes, we will have our rewards. Jesus said, “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:12) “In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Our reward may be to take up a cross and follow Him. It looks to me like a lot of people are following for the wrong reasons. Perhaps that is why both Job and Jesus scare me a lot.

I am sometimes like the person who cried out in despair, “I wish I had never been made!” And a friend replied: “Just remember, you’re not made yet, you’re only being made. And this is the Maker’s process!”