In these chapters we see that the all-wise Creator God does not disclose all his ways to his creatures (Job 28:23). His wisdom is hidden from view, as a cloudy sky keeps us from seeing the stars. But the limits of our perspective do not limit God’s wisdom, justice, or goodness. And Job knows God, even though he doesn’t know why he suffers so. 

And the apparent contradiction of Job’s life provides us with a pattern that Jesus Christ fills up in the fullness of time. Job’s suffering points us to the wisdom of God revealed at the cross of Christ. The Almighty planned for the Son of God—the only truly good man—to suffer the worst fate to save bad people. 

Jesus Christ is our great Answer. He is the Redeemer for whom Job longed (Job 19:25). He is the mediator who would stand between him and God (9:33). He is the true friend and sympathetic comforter (Heb 4:15–16). He is Wisdom of God in-the-flesh (Job 28:33; 1 Cor 1:30). And nothing in heaven or on earth or under the earth can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom 8:35–39). 

Consider a mirror and binoculars. If a mirror reflects our current situation, binoculars magnify what’s far off. In our suffering and our struggles, we need a fuller perspective. We need to look out and up to Christ, our suffering and risen Lord, the Answer in the flesh. As the Scottish pastor Robert Murray M’Cheyne once said, “For every look at yourself, take ten looks at Christ. He is altogether lovely.”

As we study Job's conversations and musings in this particular part of the book, we find him growing in hope and confidence that God will hear and vindicate him (23:6–7, 10); we discover a man who treasures God and his Words above great wealth and fine feasts (23:11–12); and we see a godly man grappling with his own inability to fully comprehend the transcendent God (26). But we also find a man who is pained by doubts. He fears God’s purposes for him (23:13–16), and he wavers in trusting God’s justice (24:1, 12). But for all his hopes and doubts, Job is exemplary, teaching us to suffer with steadfastness and growth.

In Round 2 (Job 15–21) of the speech dialogues, we saw highlights of hope and lowlights of despair, how these chapters point to Jesus, our Redeemer and the living hope HE offers. Because our Redeemer ever lives and intercedes for us, he will be that witness who stands up for us, pleading on our behalf, testifying that we have HIS righteousness when we are IN him. He is our advocate! Job longed for vindication- and that day WILL come for believers, even if not in this life. Trust in our steadfast Redeemer!

Job seeks God with his whole heart despite the many obstacles Satan plants in his path. Grief and pain obscure the way while slanderous friends darken it with poor counsel. But even in the storm of his deep trial, Job stumbles (as it might seem to our human perspective) on some deep truths about his big God—truths such as: God ordains suffering for the righteous, man needs an arbiter between him and God, and most profoundly, the truth of the resurrection from the dead.

Are worry and anxiety your frequent companions? Do you feel guilty about being anxious so often? Do you worry about how well you are raising your child? Do you get anxious about your child’s anxiety? After almost seven decades of battling anxiety, raising a couple of anxious kids, and 10 years of serving as a biblical counselor, Carol Shares what the Lord has taught her through her own and others’ journeys with anxiety.

The lament that Job offers up in Job 3 can be divided into two sections by noting the parallelism in the Hebrew poetry. The first section is marked by the repetition of the word “let” throughout (verses 3-10), and the second section is marked by the repetition of the word “Why” (v.11-26). The “Let” section functions as a curse in retrospect that mourns Job’s birth; the “Why” section mourns that God has not taken Job’s life.

Like Job, we may never know the reasons for our suffering. When we don’t understand God’s ways, trust His sovereign wisdom, goodness, love and mercy.

Setting the Stage: Shattered by Suffering  (Job 1-2 overview)

Character (1:1-5)

• Job’s circumstances, character, family, family, wealth

Catastrophes (1:6-2:10)

• Test #1 (1:6-22)

Comforters (2:11-13)

• Job’s friends and their initial response

Keith and Lori Eveland help us to see the steadfastness of God when life — and marriage — are hard.

This episode begins with an introduction to our Women's Bible Study ministry at The North Church by Pam Larson. Then Dr. Cristian Rata joins us to present a very helpful introduction and overview of the Book of Job, giving us helpful insights which lay a good groundwork for our upcoming study.

Share the Feast: Teaching Your Children to Delight in God’s Word

MOMS January 22, 2024

In Deuteronomy 6, God tells parents, "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. …" But how do we do this in 21st century America? Listen and learn as Jenni Naselli discusses practical tips for teaching children the overarching story of God's Word, helping them to delight in the Gospel, hide God's Word in their heart, and understand His Word.