September 9

Job and the Problem of Suffering (Continued) - Job 4:3-21, 5:1-27, 6:1-30, 7:1-21

"Oh that I might have my request

that God would grant what I hope for,

that God would be willing to crush me,

to let loose His hand and cut me off!

Then I would still have this consolation --

my joy in unrelenting pain --

that I had not denied the words of the Holy One."

Job in Job 6:8-10

I wonder what words Job had received from the Lord? It would, of course, depend on when it was written and by whom. And, of course, there is disagreement on that. Some say it was written by Moses. So what words from God would Job be referring to? Written words, dreams, or words the Lord spoke to him? What law did Job live by? What scripture strengthened his faith and resolve to follow this God? I see the effect of God's word in Job's life but I'd like to know the scriptures that Job looked to, the words that breathed life into his faith. What did Job read or know of God?

I know we have all we need, but don't you want to know what Job read or heard or saw to inspire such faith to stand in the face of such unjust and seemingly (as I read it) frivolously imposed suffering? I want to know Job's favorite passage, his memory verse, his words to live by.

Lord knows.