Slideshow image

It might feel like a big jump from Genesis 11 to Job 1, but before diving into the story of Abram in Genesis 12, the organizers of this Bible reading plan (NAE) seem to want to draw our attention to the chronological possibilities in the Old Testament. The book of Job is set early in biblical history. It’s very likely that Job lived sometime after the flood but before the calling of Abram.

It also appears that the organizers want us to notice the contrast between Noah and Job. Both individuals led lives that were pleasing to God. Noah found favor with God, and God chose to save him from the global judgment of the flood. Job also found favor with God, but God allowed a different path for him. Instead of blessing upon blessing, Job faced intense trials. Through these trials, Job’s story highlights that God’s people can experience gratitude and remain faithful no matter the circumstances.

Wow. Can we consider ourselves blessed when God uses us to prove His worthiness through our faithfulness in trials?

That’s exactly what Job did. At the end of chapter 1, after enduring unimaginable loss—including the death of his ten children—Job declared: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” The Scriptures affirm that Job did not sin or charge God with wrongdoing.

Later, Job does curse the day he was born—but this wasn’t a curse against God. Instead, it was an expression of complete humility, acknowledging that he was unworthy of being placed on a pedestal. Job saw himself as nothing in comparison to God’s greatness.

In chapter 4, the first of Job’s friends, Eliphaz, speaks. Eliphaz essentially says, “In my experience, those who suffer usually bring it upon themselves because of their sin” (4:8). He even advises Job in 5:8, saying, “If I were you, I would seek God and commit my cause to Him”—as if Job hadn’t already been doing that. Eliphaz assumes Job’s suffering is a consequence of wrongdoing. But we know from the narrative that the opposite is true—Job is enduring trials precisely because he is blameless and upright.

This reminds me of the disciples’ assumption in John 9:1–3 when they encountered a man born blind. They asked Jesus, “Who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus replied, “Neither. This happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” Similarly, Job’s trials were allowed to display God’s power and faithfulness at work in his life.

Maybe the next time we face negativity or trials, we could view them as opportunities to display the power and might of God in our circumstances. Oh Lord, help me to grow spiritually mature enough to respond like Job—with faith and surrender.