2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Is
there any comfort when there are no answers?
Job’s Story
Job’s friends are proof that people
who lack insight and perspective are always ready to offer what
they perceive to be infallible revelations.
The suffering of Job’s life was not
because of his unrighteousness, but actually his righteousness.
Job accuses God
wrongfully of two things:
·
You don't really care for me.
·
Even if you do, you are not able
to protect me.
All grief has anger that seeks
a place to blame for its expression.
God Speaks to
Job in a Storm- Job 38-42
In this storm, God brings not ruin
but revelation. This is the longest discourse in the Bible in
which God speaks.
1.
God’s
first discourse answers questions about His concern.
·
God
begins with Creation (38:4–11)
·
God
turns to Inanimate Nature (38:22–38)
·
God
Focuses on Animal Life (38:39–39:30)
Job Is Humbled
By God’s Questions (Job 40:3-5)
2.
God’s
second discourse addresses questions about His power.
The sea is a symbol of chaos
and evil, and the hippo and the crocodile are symbols of
that in life.
Job Responds to
God’s Replies. (Job 42:2-3)
After the first discourse Job was humiliated.
After the second discourse, Job repents. (Job 42:5-6)
God Honors and Restores
Job (Job 42:7-14)
The Secret of Job’s Life was Endurance. (James
5:11)
The Conclusion of the Matter - True Comfort…
1.
is
triggered by mourning.
2.
does
not always include removal of the cause
3.
can
change tragedy into blessing.
4.
makes
us usable to God. 2 Corinthians 1:4
5.
is
bearing a heavy load sustained by someone who helps us overcome.
