Lessons From the Book of JobSýnishorn

Does Sin = Tragedy?

Last time, we learned from the Book of Job that God is always with you (even when it doesn’t feel like it), and there’s always something to learn from Him in life’s tough times.

Often when you’re following Christ and putting Him first in your life, you can feel like things are constantly going your way. And the danger is you could begin to think that serving God is about living your best life and that everything you touch will turn to gold.

But unfortunately (or fortunately), that’s not what the book of Job is about.

Job was a man who strived to put God first. God described Job as “the finest man in all the earth. Blameless. A man of complete integrity.” (Job 2:3)

Regardless of Job’s integrity, he lost absolutely everything he owned. Sons, daughters, all his wealth… his friends gathered around him to mourn and then (in later chapters) proceeded to accuse him of sin he didn’t commit.

And if that wasn’t enough, Job’s wife turned her back on him, saying: “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9)

Job’s experience was the equivalent of being kicked in the teeth when you’re down and out.

His friends thought his tragedy was caused by some wrong that Job committed. But is that true? No!

So, when things aren’t going well for you – when your car blows up, your business fails, when people dislike you for no reason – it doesn’t (necessarily) mean you’ve sinned. Things can and do go wrong for those who strive to put God first.

Jesus Himself dispelled this “sin = tragedy” notion in the Gospel of John.

As He went along, He saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” (John 9:1–3)

When tragedy and difficult times strike, it’s not always a sign that you’ve done something wrong.

But it’s always an opportunity to ask what works of God are being displayed in your life.

Take a moment to pray:

Father, help me to see what you’re doing in my life and to trust you. Help me learn from you as I walk in Jesus’ footsteps today.