7 Lessons From Job: Is God to Blame? – Part 1
The suffering of Job is the quintessential example of undeserved suffering.
As such, what are lessons we can take from Job to help us in our bad times?
A Quick Look:
Lesson 1)
God does not cause bad things to happen; however, He allows bad things to happen.
Synopsis of Job:
The book of Job discusses the problem of the bad times, appalling circumstances, and suffering, especially when the reason isn’t obvious.
Job’s “friends” tell him his suffering is because of his sin. In their minds he must confess his sin in order to be reconciled with God.
Job asserts that he has not sinned.
And he wants God to explain: Why has all this happened to him?
Job rails in anger at God for this suffering, when Job is, and has been, righteous and faithful.
In the end, YeHoVaH addresses Job, without revealing to him either the “why” or the “who.”
Nonetheless, God reconciles His relationship with Job and restores Job’s family, his health, his wealth, and his position.
7 Lessons We Can Learn From Job’s Experience For Living Through Bad Times (Including a Pandemic) – Part 1:
Is God to Blame?
The book Job is in the Old Testament, called the TaNaK in Hebrew. It is set in the time of the patriarchs – Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Israel) – or a little after.
The location of the book is not in the Promised Land. Rather, it is in the land Utz’, also called Edom. This is the land where Esau, who was also called Edom, settled. Esau was the twin brother of Jacob (Israel). (Genesis 36:1-8)
The book of Job considers the problem of the suffering of those who, like Job, are “blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil.” (Job 1:1 NASB)
This is the classic question: “Why do bad things happen to good people?”
Having the story Job’s experience in the Bible shows us that God is NOT the source of evil and suffering.
Lesson 1)
God does not cause bad things to happen; however, He allows bad things to happen.
For some people, like Job’s “friends” – suffering, disaster, misfortune, unanswered prayer – all have the same source and reason:
- The source is YeHoVaH Himself, in earthly judgment for sin and lack of faith.
For example, Eliphaz, the Temanite states,
7 “Remember now, who ever perished being innocent? Or where were the upright destroyed? 8 “According to what I have seen, those who plow iniquity And those who sow trouble harvest it. Job 4:7-8 NASB
So Then, What Does Causes Bad Things Such as Suffering?
Here are some reasons for bad things happening that I have observed.
- Some bad things are caused by satan. They are the consequence of spiritual warfare.
Note in Job, the writer tells the reader that the source of Job’s suffering is satan, the accuser.
9 Then Satan answered the LORD, “Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 “Have You not made a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 “But put forth Your hand now and touch all that he has; he will surely * curse You to Your face.” 12 Then the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him.” So Satan departed from the presence of the LORD. Job 1:9-12 NASB
- Some bad things are our own doing. They are the consequences of our own decisions.
It’s the old “You Reap What You Sow.”
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Galatians 6:7-8 NASB
Bildad, the Shuhite, shares this opinion when he says,
4 “Do you know this from of old, From the establishment of man on earth, 5 That the triumphing of the wicked is short, And the joy of the godless momentary? Job 20:4-5 NASB
- Some bad things may be “tests” or “discipline” designed by God to direct the transformation of our character, as well as for our spiritual growth and maturity.
Sometimes suffering may be allowed by God as discipline, as Eliphaz, the Temanite states.
17 “Behold, how happy is the man whom God reproves, So do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. 18 “For He inflicts pain, and gives relief; He wounds, and His hands also heal. Job 5:17-18 NASB
Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, added.
13 “Whether for correction, or for His world, Or for lovingkindness, He causes it to happen. Job 37:13 NASB
And the the writer of Proverbs confirms,
11 My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD Or loathe His reproof, 12 For whom the LORD loves He reproves, Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights. Proverbs 3:11-12 NASB
- Some bad things are because of actions others have done. Bad things happen to us that are the consequences of their choices.
◊ The story of Joseph comes to mind. (Genesis 37:1-50:26)
◊ Joseph was sold into slavery because of the jealousy of his brothers.
◊ Joseph was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and thrown into prison.
◊ Joseph languished in prison because the chief cupbearer of Pharaoh (whom he had helped) forgot to plead Joseph’s case to Pharaoh.
- Some bad things happen as a consequence of the broken, sin-filled nature of the world.
In the beginning… Life in Eden, life on earth, began sin-free.
But then all that with the serpent, Eve, and Adam happened.
Bam!
Out of the Garden!
Into an All-For-Sin, and Sin-For-All world!
12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned – Romans 5:12 NASB
However, even in bad times, Job worshipped and praised God.
20 Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped. 21 He said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.” 22 Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God. Job 1:20-22 NASB
In like manner as Job, we are to praise God in good times and in bad.
17 Though the fig tree should not blossom And there be no fruit on the vines, Though the yield of the olive should fail And the fields produce no food, Though the flock should be cut off from the fold And there be no cattle in the stalls, 18 Yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. Habakkuk 3:17-19 NASB
11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13 NASB
But I have also heard that both the good times and the bad times come from God.
This was what Job believed. Job thought his ills were from YeHoVaH.
20 Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped. 21 He said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.” 22 Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God. Job 1:20-22 NASB
I disagree.
Instead, I believe that God does not cause bad things to happen; but He does allow bad things to happen.
In short, bad things happen because we live in a broken and sin-filled world.
Praise God or Blame God: The Choice is Ours
As Christians, we have a choice to praise God or blame God in the bad times.
Are you worshipping and praising God in bad times, as well as in good times, as Job did?
Let me know your thoughts on whether God causes bad things to happen, or whether He allows bad things to happen.
Blessings,
TLThomas
It’s ok to doubt, if you check it out!
Be a Berean!
10The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. 11 Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Acts 17:10, 11 ESV
Please join me in this journey of discovery.
- Leave a comment, or ask me a question.
- Share this blog with others, whether they are doubting, or not.
- Take what I say and CHECK IT OUT FOR YOURSELF!
Next time, the 7 Lessons From Job will continue with the question:
“Is it ok to question and/or complain to God, about God?”
See also:
Can We Question and Complain to God About the COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Suffering? – Part 2
Is It Wrong to Be Angry at God About the COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Suffering? – Part 3
Biblical Truth During the COVID-19 Pandemic – Part 4
TLThomas ©2020