The Aftermath of Job's Ordeal

Read 42:1-17
 
We have arrived at the end of the book. What a journey it has been. I have no idea how long Job sat in the ash heap suffering with his pain and his friends. Something are rather obvious as we reach the conclusion.
 
First, Job’s suffering did come to an end but in God’s time not his own. I believe that all suffering eventually comes to an end, but we should not believe that all suffering will end, necessarily, here on earth or according to our time schedule. If we accept that God is in control and that we can trust him this will be enough for us.
 
Second, Job humbled himself. He humbled himself because he met God. Job did not say at the end that he understood anything. He did say at the end that he understood now how little he actually understood. He submitted himself to God and recognized God’s authority to govern the universe the way He sees fit to do so.
 
Third, Job forgave his friends. We could learn a thing or two about Job just from this alone. His friends gave him a bunch of grief. It is exciting, however, to see that part of Job’s healing process involved interceding for others. Sometimes we may prolong our own agony by being unwilling to participate in forgiveness. Note too that God commanded Job to pray for his friends’ forgiveness. And God himself makes a point we observed earlier, “My servant Job will pray for you, and I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly.” God does not give us what we deserve.
 
Fourth, Job’s life was blessed. He was blessed though on the other side of his suffering. We know that what Job received in the latter part of life was greater than that of the former part because we know what was taken away. How often do we begrudge God because he takes away from us only to forget later on how he has blessed us with even more? Job knew for certain in the latter part of his life that his blessings came from God. Perhaps God takes away the small things we think are something great because he desires to replace them with something better. “These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.” (Hebrews 11:39-40)
 
Finally, Job still died. The rewards were great but there was still a greater reward that awaited Job. Strange that book concludes the way it does, that is, by telling us Job still died—old and full of years. The blessings of God are not for this world only. Something greater awaits beyond. The fullness of his reward came at the very end when he saw God.
 
Prayer Thoughts on Job 42:1-17
 
Pray what you have seen Job pray. Live like you have seen Job live. And trust like God has asked you to trust. Our lives consist of more than things. Our devotion is based on love not stuff. We serve God because we can.