Last Sunday we concluded a whirlwind overview of the book of Job by hearing from the last chapter of the book. It began with a wager between God and Satan about Job's steadfastness. Would he break away from steadfastness toward God in the wake of horrible things happening to him? And horrible things did happen. Things that shouldn't happen to anyone - though grieving I observe that we humans are capable of inflicting even worse on one another.
Job's friends tried to persuade him that God is just at all times, so he (Job) must be at fault. He must somehow have brought it on himself. Job protested. Finally he virtually questions God himself.
Then God answers ``out of the whirlwind'' and Job bows down before that which is beyond him.
``I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. `Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?' ... Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.''
What I'm intrigued with in this story is the identities it reveals - or at least begins to reveal. Who is this God who appears as a major character? What kind of person is Job - beyond the description of him as a righteous man? If you were required to give an accounting of who you are, how would you tell the story?
Job's story could be reduced to a simple: He was born and grew, stuff (good and bad) happened, his suffering and loss was redeemed by a gracious God. God, it seems, cannot be limited in the gifts he gives to his children. In the end, Job isn't just rewarded by God, but he becomes a partner with God, a co-giver of gifts.
How would you tell your story?
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