THE MISERY OF JOB So many regard the book of Job as the ultimate story of obeying the Lord at all costs. But why? Certainly you must feel empathy for the poor man, after he loses his possessions, his livestock, his children, and his own health at the hands of the Lords bet with one of his closest advisers of the high court. But, why celebrate Job as a Biblical hero? For playing the part of an obedient slave? Worse, a prisoner of unspeakable psychological torture and physical abuse? Certainly there is nobility in Jobs iron constitution, Ill give you that. But, is this really the behavior we wish to celebrate and emulate among believers? It should be no surprise that we see more and more modern day mini-martyrs - acting as victims of persecution, for simply having their faith questioned in a public setting for the first time. After all, they too are being tested in unimaginable ways by being forced to back up their claims of the earth being just 6,500 years old and... (I hope you understand the sarcasm here.) So, why is all of the focus on Job and his actions? Try to think of Job in the context of a modern day horror film, for a moment - kidnapped and held captive at the hands of a brutal mad man, tortured day in and day out, his children killed one by one, his body broken, bit by bit, his livelihood stolen, piece by piece, his spirit destroyed into full submission - being dared to cry out against his captor. Was Job a righteous follower, willing to obey God at all costs? No, he was a terrified and brainwashed captive slave - just trying to survive horrific torture. Meanwhile, what about God? This is where the true focus of these sermons and books of Job should be placed. Sure, sure, ha-Satan was the trigger man, but he was only acting under the Lords direction! This was a mob hit, people! The boss doesnt get to hid in the backroom and claim ignorance on this one... The Taliban has nothing on this brutal deity, as they dont require their victims to love them as they are cutting off their heads. Only a loving God could do that! Well, Im sorry - I dont think I could ever be forced into compulsory love of a Lord who first requires that I fear His every move. Then again, I have never been a victim of the Lords supernatural torment. I like to think that if God had ever tested me as he tested Job that I wouldnt just sit there and take it, that Id cry out, Kill me! I will never bow to your evil murderous ways, just and get it over with, just kill me, you sick cowardly prick! Though, Id fully expect this demand to fall on deaf ears, as God would never get rid of a play toy until he got bored with it, much like any spoiled child. But, but - God loved Job! Does an abusive slave owner love their slaves? Does an abusive parent love their children? Does an abusive husband love their spouse? Does an abusive kidnapper love their captives? But, but - Job loved God! Love born of forced submission is not love, it is survival through obedience. = = = = = = (More on this actual Bible story in the original commentary found in the book...) https://facebook/photo.php?fbid=747170678630364&set=a.359435304070572.103181.313075568706546&type=3&theater)
Posted on: Sat, 25 Jan 2014 16:39:41 +0000
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