Job 1:1-22
The sermon focused on Job, who went to God amidst the tragedy he faced in his life. The book of Job is about a man who was left suffering alone, yet still had faith in God. This message is appropriate now as many of us are facing time along amidst this viral pandemic. Today, we will look at the story of Job, see how he drew closer to God, and completely trusted in Him.
First, in Job 1:1-19 Job was an exceedingly prosperous man with animals, servants, and family, but lost it all at once. Imagining this happening to us, we may face torment and bitterness towards God. However, we must not misunderstand God, be devoured by bitterness, and blame Him. As the book of James teaches us, there is a difference between testing and temptation. Testing in faith happens so that we can persevere, mature, and receive the crown of life. God does not tempt us, He is not evil – temptation comes from our own selfish desire. Therefore, when tragedy strikes our life, we should distinguish well, the challenges to overcome to become stronger in faith, and the evil which comes from our selfish desire.
Next, in Job 1:20-21, we see the image of Job who immediately after learning the news, bowed down and worshipped God. Many of us deal with tragedy by hiding away and cutting off our communication with God. Instead, we must draw closer to Him in prayer because God helps us in our weakness. The mysterious power of prayer allows us to feel his presence and it comforts us. The real tragedy is not what we’ve lost in the world, but it is losing our relationship with God. Thinking about the pandemic, we remember the early church who didn’t think about self-preserving, but ran towards the plague, running towards the cross, and the church flourished. The Lord already gained ultimate victory on Easter, resurrecting, and eternal life is given to us.
Finally, in Job 1:22, we see Job who maintained complete trust in God. Job never blamed God amidst testing and temptations that happened during his life, and staying with God, eventually Job is immensely blessed by Him. Our blessing may or may not be a material blessing, but that is not the point. God’s crown of life is different for each of us, God knows us and loves us, and guides us in our life. The people of faith trust in God, that even negative things that happen, push us, mature us, and out of that, something great and new developments happen we wouldn’t know before. Let us keep our faith in God and as His children, let the crown of life be revealed in kingdom of God and heaven..
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