“I Will Hope in Him”
The main character of the Book of Job, St. Job is one of the godliest figures of the Old Testament and a wonderful example of devout faith in God. “Blameless and upright,” Job is described as a man who “feared God and shunned evil” (Job 1:2), surely a beacon of light in a dark and despairing world.
We don’t know lots about Job’s backstory or even the origins of the biblical book named after him, but many scholars suspect that he lived during the patriarchal period (the same timeframe as Abraham). Those familiar with Job’s story will recall that when we do meet Job and his family in the biblical account, we learn from the Scriptures that Job is a man of great wealth and blessings living in the land of Uz . However, Satan attacks Job, leading to the death of Job’s ten children and his loss of all that he has.
Throughout the rest of the story we see that Job stays true to God, remaining patient, humble, and steadfast. Everyone around Job seems to fall away from the faith. His friends try to insist that he ought to repent to God (since it must have been something he did that brought on so much destruction). His wife tells him to “curse God and die” (Job 2:9). However, Job is a testimony to them. He responds by telling them that the Lord is the one who gives and takes away—he alone has all control.
Even Satan is dumbfounded by Job’s demeanor, insisting that Job will eventually curse God. But again Job stays true to him, saying “though he slay me, I will hope in him” (Job 13:15).
Eventually, God reveals himself to Job, reminding him of his deity, authority, and worldly dominion. Job once again responds in faith, “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” (Job 42:1-3).
In love, God restores his wealth and blessings, and Job confessed to the end the power, wisdom, and steadfast love of our Lord.
Brief History
As mentioned, we don’t know much about Job’s historical life or his full narrative. Further, the story of Job can be confusing and difficult to understand, even for the most pious Christians. Because of these things, it may seem a bit odd that the Church recently decided to add a day in honor of St. Job to the liturgical calendar. Yet we think the Church’s commemoration of Job on May 9th can teach us a couple of things.
First, suffering is a part of the Christian life, and our Lord works good in the midst of suffering. Although we might often display the tendencies of Job’s wife and friends to despair over the hardships in our life, Job himself provides us with a wonderful example of a saint who places himself before God in humility. In this way, he points the way to Jesus Christ as another Old Testament Christological figure. Further, Job knows he doesn’t understand the ways of God and shows him the fear and respect he deserves.
Second, the story of St. Job reminds us of God’s great power and knowledge. Although his ways are simply too complicated for us to comprehend, we can still be thankful that we have a God who is larger than any of us and who we pray will direct our lives with his will.
Maybe these can be just two of the ways that we can look forward to St. Job’s Day on May 9th and use Job’s day to reflect a little more upon God’s power and might.
Collect
O Almighty God, who hast knit together Thine elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of Thy Son Jesus Christ, our Lord: grant us grace so to follow Thy blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to the unspeakable joys which Thou hast prepared for those who unfeignedly love Thee; through the same, Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost: ever one God, world without end. Amen.
Lessons
Resources
Issues, Etc. interview with the Rev. Dr. Kevin Golden on Job
Issues, Etc. interview with the Rev. Peter Bender on the Prophet Job
Propers found in Daily Divine Service Book: A Lutheran Daily Missal, edited by the Rev. Heath Curtis
References:
1. Weedon, William. Celebrating the Saints. Concordia Publishing House. 2016.
Images:
1. Satan Smiting Job with Boils, Philips Galle, Belgium, 1563.
2. Paintings of Job #5, James Tissot, France, ca. 1836-1902.
3. The Patient Job, Gerard Seghers, Belgium, ca. 17th century.
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