Today, we want to turn our devotion to one of the earliest books of the Bible, the Book of Job. A book that directly addresses the universal theme of human suffering and evil. In a world grappling with questions about the existence of God in the face of pain and suffering, we find in Job an encouraging perspective.
The question of suffering and evil has always occupied believers and non-believers alike. How can an all-good, all-powerful, and all-loving God exist when evil coexists in the world? This stumbling block remains a challenge for many. Yet, early in the Holy Scriptures, in the beginnings of the Book of Job, God gives us insight into this theme.
It’s fascinating to learn that, according to Jewish tradition and the teachings of Ellen White, Moses wrote the Book of Job in the solitude of the Midian desert. During this time of preparation, he wrote, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, not only the first book of Moses but also the Book of Job. God knew the questions that suffering would raise, and thus, from the beginning, presented us with a story that addresses the pain and suffering of humanity.
The Bible teaches us in Matthew 6:34; John 16:33; Daniel 12:1, and Matthew 24:7 that evil is a reality in our world.
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:34 “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 “At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book.” Daniel 12:1 “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.” Matthew 24:7
Scripture not only tells us that God is all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-loving, but also that evil exists. However, evil is not an excuse not to believe in God. Job himself, despite all his suffering, did not question the existence of God but sought to understand the “why.”
We all have questions about the evil we see in the world. Yet, how can we trust in God’s goodness nonetheless? The story of Job teaches us that in the midst of suffering and questions, we can trust that God is there, that He knows our pains, and that, in the end, all will be made well.
Let us pray together in this understanding and thank God for the wisdom given to us in His Word.
Lord, our Merciful One, we come before you in humility and gratitude for the insights we have gained today from the Book of Job. In a world grappling with questions about the origin of suffering and the existence of evil, we find in Job an encouraging perspective. We recognize that, Lord, early in the Holy Scriptures, through Moses, you provided insight into the theme of suffering.
The words from Matthew 6:34; John 16:33; Daniel 12:1, and Matthew 24:7 remind us that evil is a reality in our world. Yet, we trust that you, the all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-loving God, still reign over all. Job himself teaches us that in the midst of suffering, there is room to trust in your goodness and seek answers.
In this understanding, we want to pray together, O Lord. We thank you for the wisdom you give us in your Word and for being with us in our suffering. May this confidence in your love and care guide us in all circumstances. In your holy name, we pray. Amen.
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