Chapters 19 and 20

Chapter 19 - Job's Reply

Does Job have hope?!?!  What did you think about verse 25?  "I know that my Redeemer/defender lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth/my grave."  It sounds hopeful to me!

And verses 26 and 27 are neat, too.  "I myself will see him with my own eyes..." 



Chapter 20 - Zophar shares some additional totally unhelpful thoughts

Oh my.  Zophar just doesn't get it.  He seems to be saying that terrible things only happen to terrible people.  God punishes people who are wicket.  So it seems he's saying Job must be wicked, or at least partially wicked.  Zophar, you are way off!



Well, folks, we're in the middle of Lent!  Way to go!  :)  Our journey continues.  I can't wait to get to the chapters where God talks!

Chapter 18

Now it's Bildad's turn to share.

This chapter was very hurtful.  It seems that Bildad's compassion is long gone.  Now he's just being mean! 

Reflection Question:
-If you met Job on the street today, and you had 1 minute with him, what would you say?

Chapter 17

Job's frustrations and complaints continue.  I am glad for his brutal honesty, although it's still painful to read.  I thought verses 12-16 were interesting.  In verse 12, it seems like Job is saying, "Don't try to make lemonades out of my lemons!  This situation stinks!  Just acknowledge how painful and terrible this is, guys!"  It made me think about how to honor and value people's painful circumstances as a pastor.  Oftentimes, I don't think people want to hear, "Everything is going to be just fine.  Just keep your chin up."

When you read verse 15, what did you think?  Job says "Where then is my hope?  Who can see any hope for me?"

Chapter 16

Job is in so much emotional pain.  I think he is really longing for someone to understand. 
Verses 2 and 3 made me giggle a little.  The NRSV translation says, "windy words."  What do your translations say?  I'm glad Job is able to express his dislike of the way his friends speak to him. 

I am cheering for Job.  I hope something more positive will happen soon.....

Chapter 15: Let's Journey On

The Patient Job
Gerard Seghers (1591-1651)

Job's good ol' friend Eliphaz speaks.  Interesting.  I read his words and thought, "This is not very helpful" many, many times.  Actually, I found his words painful to read when I thought of what Job has been though.  Eliphaz seems to be turning it all around so it's Job's fault once again. 

This journey through Job is getting exhausting.  Chapter after chapter is painful to read!  What are your thoughts?  I think we should stick with it.  It's kind of a metaphor for the whole Lenten experience; it is meant to be a challenge.  It's meant to push us into directions we wouldn't want to otherwise go on our own.  I'm thankful to be reading Job in community with others.  I think God is teaching us about life and hope and sadness.  And I think by the end, we'll learn some new things about God, too.  Let's journey on. 

Chaper 14

"Job Prays" by Chagall

Job's speech continues.  It's quite a grim chapter once again.  I did think verses 7-9, about the tree, were kind of hopeful.  At least, hopeful from a tree's perspective and depressing from Job's perspective.

With the current situations in Japan and Libya, I imagine there are people who would certainly be able to identify with Job.  Job is a challenging, extremely sad book to me.  I can also appreciate that it might be a comfort to some, to know that they aren't alone in their pain.

Reflection question:
-What do you think about Job's perspective on death?
-Do you think Job has any hope at this point?
-Where does YOUR hope come from?

Chapter 13

by William Blake

Hello gang! Verse 3 of this chapter is fascinating! My translation reads: "I desire to argue my case with God."  What did you think about those words?  Do you feel like Job is brave?  Or asking for trouble?  This whole chapter is a very bold side of Job.  In verse 15 he states that he's ready to see God face-to-face and make his case.  Verses 20-28 shifts to Job's prayer to God. 

Reflection Questions:
-It seems that Job pictures God as a judge.  Is this a comfortable or uncomfortable image for you?
-In this chapter, is Job being overly-confident, bold, or completely broken?