Some time ago our mums' group decided to tackle a study on Job. I can't remember now our reasons for what might appear an odd choice, but it proved to be an exciting
study.
It
challenged
us
on
not
only
our
attitudes
towards
suffering
but
also
how
we
might
respond
to
those
who
are
suffering.
In
today's
chapter
from
Job, we read part of Job's final speech. Despite all Job has been through physically and
psychologically, he doesn't become embittered or allow his friends' talk of him being punished
by
God
to
sway
him
from
his
devotion
to
God. In
the
opening
six
verses
he
holds
in
to
his
integrity
and
trust
in
God's
goodness
and
justice. In many graphic
images he describes the life of evil
men.
As
well
as
learning
much
about
Job,
the
characters
of
the
'friends'
are always
worth
considering. Their
inadequate 'support' is infamous. Quick and articulate
in
their
condemnation of Job,
their
'voices'
resurface
and resonate down
the
centuries.
They
can
be
heard
in
the
synagogue
ruler
who is angry that Jesus heals a woman on the Sabbath and the Pharisees
in
Luke
13.
Today they
can
be
heard
in
the
mouths
of
politicians
condemning
the
actions
of
rich,
the
media
when
reporting
stories
of
neglect
and
abuse,
and
parents at
the
school
gate.
The parables
in Luke 13 seek to encourage us to consider the nature of God's kingdom. During
today, why not pray that your words will either help someone know about God's
kingdom or will help to build up someone's faith.
(women’s ministry)