The Paradox Of Job’s SufferingSample

The Grand Finale

Most people read the story of Job as follows: Job is a righteous man, blessed by God in all ways—materialistically and spiritually and then was put to test. Once he passes the test, he receives double of all the worldly possessions he loses. The end. 

This summation masks the extent of wealth he truly attains. The wealth of the knowledge of God to which Paul attributes all surpassing value. As Job struggles to understand God, God reveals himself in all His majesty and splendor. God tells him to brace himself and asks him questions way way over his head.

Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said:

“Who is this that obscures my plans

with words without knowledge?

Brace yourself like a man;

I will question you,

and you shall answer me. Job 38

When we, with our fallen, blurry human minds try to assess God’s works and make them level up in our sight, we may obscure His plans. When we ask questions too great for us, we could well be speaking words without knowledge.

So the overriding factor is simply the fact that God is much bigger, better, and brighter to us than the sun to a grain of sand. As God hits Job with volley after volley of questions and Job feels smaller and smaller. 

As God pauses, and Job acknowledges that he has been rendered speechless and was at fault even to speak. God continues:

“Would you discredit my justice?

 Would you condemn me to justify yourself?

Do you have an arm like God’s,

 and can your voice thunder like his? Job 40:8,9

After God further describes his creations including the most majestic creatures which appears to be dinosaurs and dragons Job’s final response is:

My ears had heard of you

but now my eyes have seen you. Job 40:5

Job’s eyes have seen God—seen the dramatic sequence of unparalleled power unraveled before him. That was enough. No more questions. 

This is where we are. As we read Job 38-42, we get a glimpse of who this mighty God is. When we do, there will be no more questions—only gratitude—that this Majesty is watching over and covering us every minute of our lives, once we surrender to His Lordship. When we do, we enjoy true peace and joy unmatched by anything on earth.