Further Study

Digging In

Read:  Job 1:1-22; 2:1-10.

Job was a righteous man who walked with God in integrity. Yet, for reasons unknown to him, an unrelenting wave of catastrophes came over him one at a time. Loss of property was followed by the loss of his children. According to the Bible text, what was really behind these terrible losses (1:6-19)?

What was Job’s response to these calamities (1:20-21)? How might he have reacted differently? How does the Bible evaluate his response (1:22)?

Then, when all seemed hopeless, a terribly painful skin disease struck him. Why did Satan seek to afflict Job (2:1-8)? What was Job’s wife response to suffering? How did Job respond to her (2:9-10)?

What impresses you most about Job’s responses to horrible suffering? Why would God allow such injustices to befall one of His most obedient servants?

Enter your thoughts into your personal journal.

Going Further

Read: Ecclesiastes 4:1-3.

The injustices of life have troubled each new generation since times of antiquity. Reflect on King Solomon’s observations of this perennial problem.

When God is left out of the picture, we see life as that which occurs “under the sun.” Why did King Solomon use this phrase to describe life experienced without God?

Solomon said power is on the side of the oppressor, and the oppressed has no comforter. Why does this reappear in each new generation?

What led King Solomon to despair and say, “better is he who has never existed”?

Why does life without God, who is the Righteous Judge, lead to despair?

Enter your thoughts into your personal journal.

Final Thoughts

Gerry E. Breshears made this point: “The universe has so much injustice…there must be a life after death to make right the evils of this world.” This in essence summarizes the argument for justice. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?

Enter your thoughts into your personal journal.