Hope Complains
Or
I Will Call on God
Job 24:1, 9-12, 19-25
International Sunday School Lesson
October 19, 2014
Commentary
By
Jed Greenough
Do you ever ask why things happen or are the way they are? It wouldn’t be normal if you didn’t and it is even more normal when we ask the types of questions as Job is when we are experiencing something. We empathize with what others are experiencing too just like Job is doing in today’s scripture.
When I read today’s scripture I immediately thought of Solomon’s words in Ecclesiastes. Different words but still just like the wonderings of man and woman when they encounter tough times and reach a certain point in their lives. Was Solomon thought less of by God, was Job? Read God’s reply in verse 40 and one might think so but we will get our answer for sure next week!
As Christians we can wonder about these types of thoughts and continue in our faith but we must be prepared to give an answer to those who are not believers who ask thoughts such as:
How can a loving God…? Why would God allow…? If God is real why does…?
We know the questions and we had best know some answers for in my mind not being so equipped and not stepping up to answer is akin to rejecting God if we profess to know Him. We might say that God does not cause anyone to sin from James 1 also we might say that we know clearly from the beginning of the Bible of our world’s fallen state that sin is in the world and everything can therefore happen in that state and furthermore that bad things happen to so called good people as a result.
You must see that there are as many ways to answer as there are Christians but you do need to be prepared to give an answer.
For Discussion:
1. Seldom grateful for hardships at the time do you look back later and see that it improved you?
2. Isaiah 55:8-9
3. Discuss instances of discussing with non-Christians why things happen as they do in the world.
4. If you need assistance understanding, discuss with your class.
5. It might be hard for a non-Christian to understand but discuss how God doesn’t want anyone to perish but for everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9) even those who commit the injustice as mentioned by Job.
6. Discuss the church and a Christian’s role to help the poor, needy, naked and hungry as mentioned by Job.
Upcoming Lessons
10-26-14 Hope Satisfies or Things to Wonderful for Me, Job 42:1-10
11-2-14 God’s Divine Glory Returns or God’s Glory Fills the Temple, Ezekiel 43:1-12
11-9-14 The Altar, A Sign of Hope or The Altar Offers Hope, Ezekiel 43:13-21
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved
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