BULLETIN 28 - BOOK OF JOB

Greetings to everyone.

JOB is an extensive book, by an unknown author, written around 1520 BC. It is only possible to briefly comment on this book. This Bulletin is concerned somewhat with the self-righteousness, arrogance and pride of Job. This we may assume to be the cause of his downfall, However some versions of the bible say that Satan appeared before God falsely accusing Job and getting God's leave to tempt him. it's impossible that God would be so fooled. It's not explicitly stated but a reasonable assumption that God had strong issues with Job and he took strong action to bring about a correction.. It is said ( see Job 1`:1-3) that originally Job was an extremely prosperous man of great wealth and piety, being perfect and upright, fearing God and eschewing evil. Yet in an unusual move God communicated with Satan, asking him to severely afflict Job. And clearly Satan was pleased to do this, an unprecedented cooperation with God over this very unlucky man. Job bemoans his very perilous state and goes through extreme suffering, humiliation and mortification for his sins, still respecting and honouring God, before his recovery. Job had gradually lost his entire wealth and children. but was to receive double on his acceptance of God's punishment after an attitude change -Job 42:10-16).

Commenting upon self -righteousness and pride, it was a frequent problem in Israel and a topic of rebuke by Jesus, especially with the Rabbi's.. We still see some of this attitude everywhere in spite of the exhortations for humility. Much comes from a limited self-awareness, a sort of judgement of self arising in the heart, likely unconsciously for some individuals. So there is a need to watch out for the errors of the heart coming from Satan, that is a negative state instead of the positive one that it is meant to be.Frequent self examination is needed, yet this was overlooked by Job in the earlier period of his great prosperity that he understood to be a special gift from God for his piety.

JUSTIFICATION is a word coming to mind concerning Job's restoration to God's favour. Justification is God's loving and gracious act when he declares a repentant sinner 'Righteous' through his restorative union with Christ through faith. It's an important point to remember.It is a good outcome if you read JOB as earlier suggested.

Blessings to all.

srd