Introduction to the Book of Job

I've studied the book of Job for some time now.  I'm also constantly praising the man whose name that it bears.

But I've yet to really talk about the book or the man.  At least not here.  So this will be my introduction.

I think a good point of entry is why the book is so great.  I think this is partly answered by why Job is so great.  Understanding the glory of Job is key to opening up the book in all of its glory.

In regards to the man then, I would say that Job is great because he shows us what we are made of.  He shows us what a human life made of dust and invigorated by the Spirit can do.

More precisely, Job shows us that we can stand up to God and live.  He shows us that we can call even God to account and survive the encounter.

Indeed, Job shows us that we can not only survive the encounter but that we can come out of it so valued and adored by God that God would work miracles just to keep us around.  God would even save us from the ashes to ensure our eternal presence and loving rivalry.

Job is great, pure and simply, because he reveals the full glory of humankind.  He shows what those of us who are made of dust can do and he proves that some of us are worth saving from the ash heap.  That we can equal and perhaps even surpass the Almighty in wisdom and power.

Why is the book of Job so great?  Because it reveals even greater mysteries than Job. 

Perhaps the greatest mystery of all is that we are called by God to do what Job does.  That we are made to stand up and fight in the search of goodness and truth.  To call even God to account if needbe.

What is it that God declares to Job from the storm?  "Gird your loins like a man!"

God doesn't say this to knock Job down but to raise him up.  God is calling Job to fulfill his calling as a human being and to image God.

So let us do likewise in memory of Job.

Let us show God what we are made of.

Thanks be to Job.