A Peculiar Glory

I am reading the book of Job.  Job is not one of the Bible's most encouraging books, but many people are drawn to it because it helps them in times of desperation.  Job is an upright man who seems to have everything going for him.   God is speaking with Satan, an accuser, who states that the only reason Job is righteous is because of all his worldly possessions.  Satan then claims that if those possessions were taken from Job, he would stop being righteous.  God allows Satan to take away all that Job has: his position, his possessions, his family and friends and his health.  The middle section of the book is a poetic conversation between Job and four "friends" about God's justice.  The first three friends believe Job must have committed huge sins to deserve such punishment, but Job claims he was righteous, thereby dismissing that argument.  The fourth friend, affirms that God is just and perhaps there are reasons God allows bad things to happen to good people, such as preventing future sins or teaching people more about themselves and God.  The last section of the book is a conversation between God and Job where Job continues to try to understand why there is pain and suffering on the Earth.  God doesn't directly answer the questions but states that while the world is beautiful and awe-inspiring, it is also complex and dangerous.  The world in its current state does not exclude pain and suffering.  Most importantly, while we may not fully understand the "why", God is pleased that we come to him earnestly to try to understand.

The Bible Recap is the Bible reading plan I am currently using, and it directed me to this great song by Shane and Shane with an interlude by pastor and author, John Piper.  I encourage you to take a few minutes to listen.