Why is the Book of Job such a classic? Because sooner or later, Job’s story is our story: disaster happens. Whether it strikes a crowd in Las Vegas, a neighborhood in Houston, or much closer to home: our bodies, our families, our dreams for the future…it happens. And when it does, our assumptions about God and life can shatter. How do we move forward? Is it even possible to put together the pieces of a shattered life? Job’s message has endured not because it gives simple answers, but because of its honesty and its ability to radically change the way we look at all that happens in life—including the bad things.
Sermon 1: “Disaster Strikes”-After a hidden arrangement between Satan and God, Job loses his health, wealth, family & status.
Sermon 2: “False Assumptions”-Job’s well-meaning friends assume his suffering is due to personal sin. There is some truth in their counsel, but enough error to be annoying and unhelpful.
Sermon 3: “Questioning God”- In his pain, Job angrily questions God’s kindness and justice. God (for now) says nothing in return, which is maddening to Job…but is actually a sign of his grace. As we’ll learn later, God does not view Job’s bold challenge as “cursing God” (as Satan predicted); he gives Job (and us) space to ask honest questions.
Sermon 4: “God Speaks” -God speaks to Job from the whirlwind, challenging Job’s limited perspective and showing him God’s infinite sovereignty.
Sermon 5: “Hope Restored”-After Job’s repentance, God restores Job’s health and prosperity and Job forgives his friends. Job is a very different man now, with deep scars but deeper faith and real hope for the future.
