The book of Job is referred to as one of the Bible's beautiful books of poetry. The picture that Job paints in chapter three with his words truly lets us see the workings of his heart in a way that we can relate to today. I thought this was a great chapter for some reflection. Which also brings to mind a few things that I thought would be a good discussion for this week. Please pick one or more question to comment on.
1. In Job 3:20-22 it says," Why is light given to those in misery, and life to the bitter of soul, to those who long for death that does not come, who search for it more than for hidden treasure who are filled with gladness and rejoice when they reach the grave?"
It is as if Job is wanting to know why he has to continue on? Why is it that life is so hard and he has to hold up his head and keep living it? Can you relate to what Job is feeling in this passage? Have you known people that seem to get thrown one curve ball after another and continue to pick themselves up and deal with it while others of us sit around in happiness? Do you know of any people that have truly convicted you with their response to their own suffering?
2. In Job 3:23 it says, "Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in? "
If you feel that God has "hedged you in" do you feel like your way is hidden? To me that was a very powerful statement. Do you feel like you are just going through the motions in life, or do you feel like you are fervently seeking the plan that God has for you and that you can see it before you? Please explain your thoughts on this.
3. In Job 3:25-26 a footnote in my Bible states that , "It seems to be apparent that prior to his suffering, Job realized the possibility of trouble coming into his life. He had not taken God's blessings for granted..."
Where are you in this walk with God? Do you think that we as Christians today take God's blessings for granted. In chapter 1, Job worried for his children's souls and frequently brought them for purification before the Lord. Do we do that in prayer for our children and family today, even when things are going really well for us or do we wait until something happens that forces us to be humbled before him? Please discuss your thoughts on this.
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6 comments:
I'm confused on the "hedged in" statement. Is he saying that God limits us, or is it like "pruning"? Or are we to believe that God hides us from our path in life? What does that mean?
Danna-
I think it means that he protects us and forms a hedge around us so that harm does not come our way, and he covers us in his blessings... The Hebrew word in verse 3:23 for "hedged in" is "sakak" and it means "to cover, conceal, overshadow, or shield" If anyone else has some imput, please share!!
Carrie
Carrie
1. I think Job is asking, "Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in?" b/c it seems so unfair for such sheltered people to float through life unharmed and unaffected, unlike Job. He was trying to live the right way and still experienced one blow after another. I know people like that. Everything looks so easy and effortless from the outside, it seems so unfair sometimes.
This chapter almost makes me blush for him b/c she says things, that as Christians, we often don't say aloud. You know what I mean?
I meant "he" not "she". Sorry.
It occurs to me that "suffering" in our country is an exageration compared to those in less-fortunate countries. I am currently helping with a new church development with a group of Liberian and Berundi refugees. In starting this mission, I realized that I knew little to nothing about the conflict over there. I am now reading a book called "What is the What" about a Sudanese refugee who was torn from his family when he was 6 years old, wandered through the wilderness with other "lost boys" and lived in 3 different refugee camps for 14 years of his life! WOW! Often times in the book he is asking God why he gave him life if only to suffer again and again. Even after he was brought to the states, he continues to miss his family, lose loved ones and be opressed. He quotes this passage from Mother Teresa which is also appropriate this time of year: "Suffering, if it is accepted together, borne together, is joy. Remember that the passion of Christ ends always in the joy of the resurrection of Christ, so when you feel in your own heart the suffering of Christ, remember the resurrection has yet to come-the joy of Easter has to dawn."
--Laura Goodwinn
And also a prayer written by Mother Teresa:
Lord Jesus, make us realize
that it is only by frequent deaths of ourselves
and our self-centered desires
that we can come to live more fully;
for it is only by dying with you
that we can rise with you.
Laura Goodwinn
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