There is an unexpected companion in our lives. We dread its arrival but cannot shorten the effect of its visit. That visitor is grief. The presence of grief in our life is an unavoidable companion.
The reality of grief is that we will deal with it, and we will walk with others as they do the same.
This blog is an introduction to a study of the book of Job. It will not be my objective to do a verse-by-verse study of this book. Instead, we will explore the depth of grief and efforts to cope with it. This series will explore both those helpful approaches to handling grief and those that are less than helpful. We will not run from the theological struggles that often accompany grief.
Be assured of two things. God knows about your grief and that He cares. I call your attention to what is widely known as the shortest verse in the Bible. In John 11:35 we find these two powerful words, “Jesus Wept.”
In this context Jesus came face to face with the pain of grief. Mary and Martha approach Jesus was sharp painful words. “If you only had been here.” These accusations were certainly not spoken in a gentle, soothing tone. They dripped with the pain of losing their brother and all that his loss meant.
Note what does not happen in this passage. Jesus does not chastise them for their words. Neither does He judge their pain. He did not then, and He does not now.
Why did Jesus weep? Because of grief of Lazarus’ passing? No, He knew what was coming next. Because of personal loss of His dear friend. Also, no. Resurrection was coming. He wept because they did. He is a great high priest who feels the pain we do. He walks with us in our pain.
Examine grief a little more deeply.
We experience grief when we lose relationships. This can occur through death, divorce, moving or sickness. We grieve over loss of self, through loss of self-esteem or injuries. We can also grieve over losing our extended self or possessions.
Grief takes many forms. The closer the loss is to our hearts the more intense the pain when it is gone. We feel it so deeply.
God has an answer for the pain. What we most need is someone to walk with us. He comes to us in the middle of our grief.
Job is introduced to us in Job 1:1
“In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil.”[1]
We will examine his character next week. For today understand that Job is a real man from the land of Uz. He was a real man with real pain. His life is a painful picture of grief.
Job follows a simple outline.
- Chapters 1-2 introduce us to the life and suffering of the main character. We gain understanding as we look upon His suffering.
- Chapters 3-42:6 is a rolling dialogue between Job and his friends. We hear six voices. Job speaks often. Job’s wife makes one short speech.
The bulk of the book is a verbal ping-pong between Job and his friends. One scholar pointed out
that they have the bedside manner of a drill sergeant. The arguments go back and forth until they
eventually reach a deadlock. They give up on the persuading him.
Finally, a fourth friend speaks up. Had he been there all along? Why did he remain silent? We are
not certain, but he makes a powerful speech and then Job responds.
- Finally, in chapter 42:7-18 God speaks. The answer silences them all. The story ends with Job’s restoration.
Why study grief from this book. What value does this book have?
- Through our study we will: Ask the Hard questions. How could a good God allow suffering? Why does He permit it? Are there no rewards for right living? Does God care?
- Refute the Easy answers. We know three things: God is good, God is just, and we can trust Him. We know that He rewards faithfulness. But how does that work when we suffer? We do not get to play God or answer for Him.
- Affirming the mystery of human existence. We must accept that we do not know the answers. A faith that is untested is not valid. We confess we do not know.
Preview of our study.
- The Depth of Pain. Sometimes we are strong, other times we are faltering. At times he rages, other times he protests, moans, and vacillates. Grief comes over him like a tidal wave.
- Searching for Answers. This book records the search for answers. Confused souls cry out. The friends know the textbook answers but do not really understand.
- Pleas for Relief. Job cries out in pain for relief from God and from their incessant talking. We hear the sobs of a crushed man.
- Cries of Pain. He gives full expression for his grief.
- Faith questions. Is there life after death? How do we grow in our faith relationship with God? We will explore many other questions.
- Faith in the Midst. Even though his heart aches we hear Job express faith in God. We find hope that we, too, can have faith in the times of trial.
- God’s Answer of Love. God will respond to our struggles.
Four approaches to grief. An introduction:
- Cardinal Rule: Grief defies explanation. We must resist the temptation to explain everything. We cannot interpret people’s grief for them. Do not do theology in the midst. We do not have the answers. Listen! Hear!
- Just Be! If you are going through grief, just be. Let the grief find expression. Allow your heart to heart and to heal. God can handle your emotion.
- Faith is Fluid. We see Job demonstrate immature faith. (See 9:28-29) In the next breath he is skeptical. (9:30) Faith does not come with a guarantee. We will struggle.
- Cry out to God who is our mediator. We hear Job cry out for a mediator (9:33-ff). The mediator is revealed later in the book. He is called: witness, advocate, intercessor, and friend. Look past this book and you will see Jesus. He is our great mediator. We can rest in Him.
The journey begins. I pray for all who read these words that you will be comforted during your seasons of grief. I also pray that each of us will be able to more adequately comfort those around us who are grieving.
[1] The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), Job 1:1.
