Week of November 2, 2025
Physical Suffering
Christians are certainly not immune to physical suffering, as we deal with many of the same struggles as everyone else. But this isn’t to conclude that a relationship with Jesus makes no difference. For we have God’s promise that suffering doesn’t define our existence nor will it have the final word in our lives; but rather God’s goodness and love are our strength and enduring hope. In Jesus, we gain a measure of immunity from cynicism and despair. This week’s readings are drawn from the book of Job, a story of ancient Hebrew wisdom pondering the mystery of human suffering.
Monday | Job 2:1-10
The dramatic story frame for this book of largely Hebrew poetry is of Satan coming before God and accusing Job of only worshipping him because God blesses him. Having already taken away his wealth and family, Satan now proposes to make Job suffer, believing that then any man will curse God. Thus, we learn right away that Job’s suffering is not some punishment for sin. Why was this reality of Job’s innocence so crucial to the theological conversations that follow? When have you suffered as a result of your own mistakes? When did your suffering seem completely undeserved?
Tuesday | Job 3
This chapter is one of the great laments of the Scriptures (see also Lamentations) as Job despairs that he was even born. Can you think of a situation that caused you to question why God made you in the first place? What made that situation so complicated? What do you think Job was looking for beyond relief from his suffering? Where do you turn when you are suffering? What comfort do Scriptural laments provide for readers today?
Wednesday | Job 28
Some commentators believe that these are the narrator’s words inserted at a strategic point in the story. What does the speaker believe about earthly and human wisdom? What would this lead you to conclude regarding human efforts in philosophy and theology? Where, then, according to the speaker, is the ultimate source of wisdom? How do you pursue such wisdom?
Thursday | Job 38
After a series of poetic conversations between Job and his friends, finally God comes to Job … more with questions than with answers. What is God’s message to Job? How does this message humble not only Job but all human seekers for an understanding of suffering? The phrase "a man's gotta know his limitations" is a famous quote from the 1973 Clint Eastwood movie, Magnum Force, spoken by the character Dirty Harry. How would you describe our limitations regarding God and his will?
Friday | Job 42:1-6
In these verses, Job responds to God’s confronting him with his limitations. Of what does Job repent? Have you had any similar experiences of being led to trust in God without having all your questions answered? Does this mean that asking the questions is wrong? What do you think is the conclusion the book of Job offers with regard to the mystery of suffering?
