Text:                          Job 7:1-4, 6-7

 

The book of Job is not merely a folktale or a myth which some Hebrew sage developed, using poetical dialogue, to show the problem of suffering and pain as an integral part of the human condition which has no solution as.

 

It is rather a factual historical account of  life experience of a man of the land of Uz called Job, whose existence and uprightness were testified to by God Himself. (Ezk. 14:14 & 20; Job 1:6-8), the apostle James through the Holy Spirit (Jms. 5:10-11) and written for our learning (Rom. 15:4; 2Tim. 3:16,17).

 

Here and there, you hear people say Awe are carrying our cross@, or an exhortation enjoining the people to Acarry their cross, referring to one suffering of the other, may be, resulting from divorce, death of a loved one, the activities of wayward children, etc.

 

It is scripturally evident that suffering, pain and death (whether physical or spiritual) are the direct consequence of the entrance of sin into the world (Gen. 3:7-19; Rom. 5:12; 1Cor. 15:22). Many however hold the erroneous notion that since they go to Church, whatever suffering that comes their way, is a cross from God paving their way to heaven.

 

If we take consolation from the suffering of Job, we must ensure we have the testimony of Job (Jms 5:10-11; Job 1:6-8; Ezk. 14:14-16).

 

Christians don=t suffer as sinners and sinners can=t suffer as Christians – check on your suffering (Rom 8:17; 2Cor. 1:7; Phil. 3:10; Matt. 5:10-12; 1Prt. 4:12-16).

 

My people perish for lack of knowledge (cp. Hos. 4:6; cont. Isa. 38:1-5; Matt. 8:1-13; 15:21-28).

 

He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrow (Isa. 53:1-12; Jn.19:30).

 

When you know the truth, the truth shall set you free ( Jn. 8:32).

 

 

Fellowship Song: (HSCF 147)