There comes a point when suffering hardens into resolve. Job has reached it. He’s done entertaining the shallow wisdom of his friends, done listening to their misguided attempts to defend God at his expense. He turns to them with cutting words: “You are worthless physicians, all of you.” He doesn’t just reject their counsel—he calls them out as frauds. Then, he does something even bolder. He shifts his focus to God, he demands an audience, insisting on answers to this perceived injustice. But as the chapter unfolds, Job’s defiance gives way to something deeper—an aching reflection on the brevity of life, the certainty of death, and the nagging question with which all men must wrestle: Is there any hope beyond the grave?

The Rev. Jared Nies, Senior Pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church and School in Lapeer, MI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 13 and 14.

Why do the righteous suffer? That’s the burning question at the heart of the book of Job—one of the most profound and challenging books in all of Scripture. From a Lutheran perspective, Job’s story isn’t just about a man enduring unimaginable hardship; it’s about wrestling with God’s will, grappling with well-meaning but misguided advice, and ultimately finding comfort in God’s grace rather than human understanding. As Job’s friends offer simplistic answers, Job demands the truth, and God’s response reminds us of His infinite wisdom and mercy. Through it all, we see glimpses of Christ—the truly innocent sufferer—who redeems our pain and points us to the cross, where suffering meets salvation. Join us as we journey through Job, confronting tough questions about faith, suffering, and God's mysterious ways with hope grounded in Christ alone.

Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected].