Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Reflection - Introduction to the Book of Job

Source Website: http://christianity.about.com/od/oldtestamentbooks/a/JZ-Book-Of-Job.htm
By Jack Zavada,  About Religion & Spirituality, Updated on 16 May 2016
 

Job's blessings
PHOTO: Job's blessings
 "Can a favored, righteous person hold on to their faith in God when things go wrong?" In a conversation with Satan, God argues that such a person can indeed persevere, and points out his servant Job as an example. God then allows Satan to visit terrible trials upon Job to test him.
In a short period of time, marauders and lightning claim all Job's livestock, then a desert wind blows down a house, killing all of Job's sons and daughters. When Job keeps his faith in God, Satan afflicts him with painful sores all over his body.
Finally, God appears to Job in a storm and gives a stunning account of his majestic works and power. Job, humbled and overwhelmed, acknowledges God's right as Creator to do whatever he pleases.
At the end of the book, God gives Job twice as much wealth as he had before, along with seven sons and three daughters.
Picture posted by Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGOXkszuyh24dJN51GM49AAk62LGh2vz8ojjs8i9oXo3QXU1f0ez0YFnxVjphCDUJiNaq1qdIxeB1SNUlW3tGKU7gErqhV3Zm-I5Mqi8UuWtfz1XPGerZ6FR6Cq7QoUB6karkjvG-MzzF/s1600/92-1.png
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/mp/r1/lp-e/bhs/2015/92 - (92.jpg)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1102015152


The book of Job, one of the wisdom books of the Bible, deals with two issues crucial to every person: the problem of suffering and the sovereignty of God.

Job (pronounced "jobe"), was a rich farmer living in the land of Uz, somewhere northeast of Palestine. Some Bible scholars debate whether he was an actual person or legend, but Job is mentioned as an historical figure by the prophet Ezekial (Ezekial 14:14, 20) and in the book of James (James 5:11).

The key question in the book of Job asks: "Can a favored, righteous person hold on to their faith in God when things go wrong?" In a conversation with Satan, God argues that such a person can indeed persevere, and points out his servant Job as an example. God then allows Satan to visit terrible trials upon Job to test him.


Can a favored, righteous person hold on to their faith in God when things go wrong?
PHOTO: "Can a favored, righteous person hold on to their faith in God when things go wrong?" In a conversation with Satan, God argues that such a person can indeed persevere, and points out his servant Job as an example. God then allows Satan to visit terrible trials upon Job to test him.
Job 2:3: Then the Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason."
Picture posted by kattyNeal on 24 June 2015
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGIKE4VevtoRLiBkGF2AIJmdI5jEiuA76mu9iO8d_sZlEe136yLWTslDA1kza_8JV1qAdc3_mWfveSTGDB6O8Wf0-DPTdA2Bj6blp9WLqfWAfDulT72bnx3oIbQBqQwOvO6VE72JABEm3k/s1600/cropped-paraiso21.jpg
https://buenasnoticiasparatodos.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/cropped-paraiso21.jpg
https://buenasnoticiasparatodos.wordpress.com/


In a short period of time, marauders and lightning claim all Job's livestock, then a desert wind blows down a house, killing all of Job's sons and daughters. When Job keeps his faith in God, Satan afflicts him with painful sores all over his body.


In a short period of time, marauders and lightning claim all Job's livestock, then a desert wind blows down a house, killing all of Job's sons and daughters.
PHOTO: In a short period of time, marauders and lightning claim all Job's livestock, then a desert wind blows down a house, killing all of Job's sons and daughters. When Job keeps his faith in God, Satan afflicts him with painful sores all over his body.
Picture posted by Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania on March 2016
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVeB-Mvlm_UYmzKE8y3dMMEZashXb7TJv3J7SqQhCjo3ysmmOn5QAxZ3IVIZSz0dYNK5GKvw2JHKkvaNbhjgvmhfJA0S7YYiK82Y4PlewBiaYHTVM0vEHyTCNTYziElrSArt4mXJ-hjbgn/s1600/202016088_univ_cnt_2_xl.jpg
https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/m/202016088/univ/art/202016088_univ_cnt_2_xl.jpg
https://www.jw.org/es/publicaciones/guia-actividades-reunion-testigos-jehova/marzo-2016-mwb/programa-reunion-21-27-marzo/pruebas-job-biblia-angustia/


Satan afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head.
PHOTO: Satan afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head. Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes (Job 2:7-8).
Picture posted by Chen Tu on 12 March 2015 at 01:48 PM
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYuKyetotkbBIY6vHqpjmgIZBQiI2vT0NJA8eVCHzhvg7zWPZP56qYNQ_8Q9k5lUlu6EW_vXXKGhQjThvxHQrY9TOvx9LbBcyJaYiLjlnC6OoHETjXETeu_okYIjSj3sVXm7tL5072ltl/s1600/133108o4uqztiuqu1hm1un.jpg
http://uf.cari.com.my/forumx/cforum/album/201503/12/133108o4uqztiuqu1hm1un.jpg
http://car.cari.com.my/home.php?mod=space&uid=2121117&do=blog&id=60492


Job's wife urges him to "Curse God and die." (Job 2:9, NIV)


Job's wife urges him to 'Curse God and die.'


PHOTO: Job's wife urges him to "Curse God and die." (Job 2:9, NIV)
Job replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”
In all this, Job did not sin in what he said (Job 2:10).
Picture posted by Pastor Melodee Carstens on Monday, 1 October 2012
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3LkiQe_Mx7Xt4cCdmqiznsiM40NsbllYldooa3pKyV-Xnmc-7gbitT5VupqynUh7sibV01dZORc9CyHlAF89P5b3D8gnW7YzsZ7QhK7ZbN2LDFd-Sf8r_0g3gy_2mkFufywTLBapGfP6C/s1600/JOB+COVERED+WITH+SORES%2528Biblical+illustrations+by+Jim+Padgett%252C+courtesy+of+Sweet+Publishing%252C+Ft.+Worth%252C+TX-1984%2529.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIM85BFLOVqbeW1OgKIRPVtHljjLlLN6NZLY9sLGPrP9-9gXEP79b_yA4ZleDN3c7Dympc-BkiHKdzGzpib1eZB5Tay1B3d3d9pNjIdGmFiSdwLzgylzSjsCwa6QULfR0dTQiSCeBzDuI/s1600/JOB+COVERED+WITH+SORES%28Biblical+illustrations+by+Jim+Padgett,+courtesy+of+Sweet+Publishing,+Ft.+Worth,+TX-1984%29.jpg
http://abcparish.blogspot.sg/2012_09_30_archive.html


Three friends show up (Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, Zophar the Naamathite), supposedly to comfort Job, but their visit turns into a long theological debate over what caused Job's suffering. They claim Job is being punished for sin, but Job maintains his innocence. Like us, Job asks, "Why me?"


Three friends show up (Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, Zophar the Naamathite), supposedly to comfort Job.
PHOTO: But the three friends' visit turns into a long theological debate over what caused Job's suffering. They claim Job is being punished for sin, but Job maintains his innocence.
Painting by William Blake (1757 - 1827) - Job Rebuked by His Friends, 1805-6
Picture posted by Trivium Art History
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvz3nvlQKtiYzk3ry2M1-te8RbYmpr4q6l40sjVyvmxQvbuTKcs8jgff5y-8ysI19OgUPxry51Yb8QnD23sQrbnzNrM039LbDPhk6ADI7dem0bng8F8KWrEQIf8V-GFa88qYFl01Sz731i/s1600/william_blake_-_the_friends_of_job.jpg
http://arthistoryproject.com/site/assets/files/9623/william_blake_-_the_friends_of_job.jpg
http://arthistoryproject.com/artists/william-blake/


Job maintains his innocence.
PHOTO: Job maintains his innocence. Like us, Job asks, "Why me?"
But Job maintain his faith in God, "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him..." (Job 13:15)
Painting by WilliamBlake (1757 - 1827) - Job Laments
Picture posted by Josh Thomas, Published on 28 August 2016
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9j8p17JbqxLzIc5GYlDjCQftLZLzLutDc4ok7DU5z7WOTPLVU0kIOYoj01TEpjGdDtU9aWDPlQIllxkTgeN8_9SknB562t-2tkThvbQIk9R3tsku6hyphenhyphenGCcfA706Xfi-kUaP6fKgENKj_o/s1600/joblaments-williamblake.jpg
https://dailyoffice.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/joblaments-williamblake.jpg
https://dailyoffice.wordpress.com/2016/08/28/morning-prayer-8-29-16-john-bunyan-writer-1688/joblaments-williamblake/


A fourth visitor, named Elihu, son of Barakel the Buzite, suggests that God may be trying to purify Job through suffering. While Elihu's counsel is more comforting than that of the other men, it is still only speculation.


Elihu, son of Barakel the Buzite, suggests that God may be trying to purify Job through suffering.
PHOTO: Elihu, son of Barakel the Buzite, suggests that God may be trying to purify Job through suffering. While Elihu's counsel is more comforting than that of the other men, it is still only speculation.
Picture posted by Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJZG1HaSa_pnZAjXqUioxFDQuofCV7-7nXFA0ZkJs_lRYqneLNGLNtFfV8NI6ErC-saVOXzl3fIwXx_-jPrkFqAY4TeCiepQZ8GcHdB_FvpKwkiPiEXpW4vKldHFTIcx98Wd3bhNYpGAt/s1600/202.jpg
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/mp/r1/lp-e/mwb16/2016/202 - (202.jpg)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/202016130


Finally, God appears to Job in a storm and gives a stunning account of his majestic works and power. Job, humbled and overwhelmed, acknowledges God's right as Creator to do whatever he pleases.


Finally, God appears to Job in a storm and gives a stunning account of his majestic works and power.
PHOTO: Finally, God appears to Job in a storm and gives a stunning account of his majestic works and power. Job, humbled and overwhelmed, acknowledges God's right as Creator to do whatever he pleases.
"Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself?" (Job 40:8)
Painting by William Blake  (1757 - 1827) - Illustrations to the Book of Job, The Butts Set, object 17 (Butlin 550.17) "The Vision of Christ"
Picture posted by Saint Takla Church, http://st-takla.org/Gallery/
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTj2CZpv5nv_oQJ9gBlMWfJXBiShg3iOVsLm93qNHQlWArcLZC5L8Y-rf4vc0FRU3IDA9yI8ehKmYFbKEk3HFmFMxWVqNmZzSaMJtqO8aiCrTALyKeHyFuHpCvmEXZxU84j3XNHO54MqB/s1600/www-St-Takla-org--17-The-Vision-of-Christ.jpg
http://st-takla.org/Pix/Portraits-Christian-Paintings/William-Blake/Illustrations-to-the-Book-of-Job/www-St-Takla-org--17-The-Vision-of-Christ.jpg
http://st-takla.org/Full-Free-Coptic-Books/Katamars/Katamaros-El-Soum-El-Kebir/Katamares-Holy-Lent_Week-7-Day-1.html


God rebukes Job's three friends and orders them to make a sacrifice. Job prays for God's forgiveness of them and God accepts his prayer. At the end of the book, God gives Job twice as much wealth as he had before, along with seven sons and three daughters. After that, Job lived 140 more years.


God rebukes Job's three friends and orders them to make a sacrifice.
PHOTO: God gives Job twice as much wealth as he had before, along with seven sons and three daughters. Job's daughters are the Bible's most beautiful women.  They are the only offspring of Job that have their names in the Bible. 1st: Jemimah, 2nd: Keziah and 3rd: Keren-happuch.
Picture posted by Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
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http://m.wol.jw.org/en/wol/mp/r1/lp-e/w13/2013/904 - (904.jpg)
http://m.wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2013447


Themes in the Book of Job
While suffering is the chief theme of the book, a reason for suffering is not given. Instead, we are told that God is the highest law in the universe and that often his reasons are known only to him.


A reason for suffering is not given. We are told that God is the highest law in the universe and that often his reasons are known only to him.
PHOTO: A reason for suffering is not given. We are told that God is the highest law in the universe and that often his reasons are known only to him.
Picture posted by Weebly - One Before God
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VYD0jDkmdqL7wmTOrSkJNaSaTn017l7lGvggkJWAdt4UqZn7Ne3VnSbCT2NjptGo4FKDJ6dGkCKEJRaFpztZQZARCEYDiLE05LUkon4QhyphenhyphendBY1FeGlcP-TV3rcSNymAkEJ95rew-MWb4/s1600/6004492_orig.jpeg
http://josephbrickey.weebly.com/uploads/2/5/2/1/25216118/6004492_orig.jpeg
http://josephbrickey.weebly.com/old-testament.html


We also learn that an invisible war is raging between the forces of good and evil. Satan sometimes inflicts suffering on human beings in that battle.

God is good. His motives are pure, although we may not always understand them. God is in control and we are not. We have no right to give God orders.


God is good. His motives are pure, although we may not always understand them. God is in control and we are not.
PHOTO: God is good. His motives are pure, although we may not always understand them. God is in control and we are not. We have no right to give God orders.
Painting by Joseph Brickey - In Similitude
Picture posted by Weebly
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKJ-ZKTgbUtXUPClN6sYGLBL2iwhATc4DfTy3MzyaRs-GjdisYocUywEEEbA5wznsvpEhlqoiIpqKsMAGTGQcgC2Q-rxUeHwe5RvAgu6hPSqnDNHQquIaQw0Ks30d0UXkmolzcyiabZnR/s1600/7997395_orig.png
http://josephbrickey.weebly.com/uploads/2/5/2/1/25216118/7997395_orig.png
http://josephbrickey.weebly.com/old-testament.html


Thought for Reflection
Appearances are not always reality. When bad things happen to us, we cannot presume to know why. What God wants from us is faith in him, no matter what our circumstances may be. God rewards great faith, sometimes in this life, but always in the next.


What God wants from us is faith in him, no matter what our circumstances may be. God rewards great faith, sometimes in this life, but always in the next.
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, we pray that although we ask 'why me?' during times of suffering, we have faith in You like Job did, humbled and overwhelmed, acknowledges God's right as Creator to do whatever he pleases. We pray that we can continuously, eagerly look forward to the blessings of God’s Kingdom. Amen!"
Picture posted by The WatchTower on November 2015
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9eD6j1OLwpHOHgiS0_ivLV79RGhvXOaddoY0cXO3XyVWVgaainMmnJMFeZtCa2elHTpVPIqK17GWA_UnlpDKUdCvtDhpmY1vQI6iWY-hblQA-X0wy0SwfeBkM3_36TZ6CjgiTJvem1FG/s1600/2015807_univ_cnt_2_xl.jpg
https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/m/2015807/univ/art/2015807_univ_cnt_2_xl.jpg
https://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/wp20151101/is-war-ever-justified/

By Jack Zavada,  About Religion & Spirituality, Updated on 16 May 2016



Reference
[1] Introduction to the Book of Job, By Jack Zavada,  About Religion & Spirituality, Updated on 16 May 2016,
http://christianity.about.com/od/oldtestamentbooks/a/JZ-Book-Of-Job.htm.

NIV, New International Version, Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Ezekial 14:14, 20 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekial+14%3A14%2C+20&version=NIV

James 5:11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+5%3A11&version=NIV

Job 2:3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+2%3A3&version=NIV

Job 2:7-8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+2%3A7-8&version=NIV

Job 2:9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+2%3A9&version=NIV

Job 2:10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+2%3A10&version=NIV

Job 13:15 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+13%3A15&version=NIV

Job 40:8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+40%3A8&version=NIV

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