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September 28, 2021

God Is Present Even in Suffering

Kerri Hefner   |   Read Job 2:1-10

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Lectionary Week
September 27–October 3, 2021
Scripture Overview

This week we read about Job, an upright man who faces severe trials but never loses his faith. Job’s story brings us face-to-face with the fact that living a godly life does not make us immune to suffering. Like Job, the psalmist wonders why he suffers, even though he lives according to God’s standards. Hebrews presents Jesus as the ultimate example of unwarranted suffering, yet because of his perseverance he is ultimately glorified. In Mark, some Pharisees test Jesus on the interpretation of the law concerning divorce. Jesus makes strong statements about marriage, but his larger concern is that their hearts have become hard. He contrasts them with little children, who model faith by receiving God with an open heart.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Job 1:1; 2:1-10. What helps you to live with integrity?
Read Psalm 26. Do you feel free in your prayer life to honestly share with God all that you are feeling?
Read Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12. In what ways does God speak to us in our day?
Read Mark 10:2-16. What qualities found in children do you try to cultivate in your spiritual life?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Job 2:1-10

1 One day the divine beings came to present themselves before the LORD. The Adversary also came among them to present himself before the LORD. 2 The LORD said to the Adversary, “Where have you come from?” The Adversary answered the LORD, “From wandering throughout the earth.” 3 The LORD said to the Adversary, “Have you thought about my servant Job, for there is no one like him on earth, a man who is honest, who is of absolute integrity, who reveres God and avoids evil? He still holds on to his integrity, even though you incited me to ruin him for no reason.” 4 The Adversary responded to the LORD, “Skin for skin—people will give up everything they have in exchange for their lives. 5 But stretch out your hand and strike his bones and flesh. Then he will definitely curse you to your face.” 6 The LORD answered the Adversary, “There he is—within your power; only preserve his life.” 7 The Adversary departed from the LORD’s presence and struck Job with severe sores from the sole of his foot to the top of his head. 8 Job took a piece of broken pottery to scratch himself and sat down on a mound of ashes. 9 Job’s wife said to him, “Are you still clinging to your integrity? Curse God, and die.” 10 Job said to her, “You’re talking like a foolish woman. Will we receive good from God but not also receive bad?” In all this, Job didn’t sin with his lips.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

What was the last straw for Job’s wife? When we meet her in chapter 2, she and her husband have already sustained unimaginable losses. Their children have been killed, meaning no future legacy for the couple. All of Job’s assets are gone, meaning no livelihood for the couple. Job grieves...

God, watch over me when I am at my wits’ end. Strengthen me against bitterness. Forgive my gloomy outlook, and open my eyes so that I can see my situation differently. Thank you for being with me even when I don’t want to be with you. Amen.


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