James 5: 11 — Summer Storm

As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

James began his letter with encouragement to his readers who are facing trials “of many kinds.” He then mentions Job, a man who’s suffering and trials are almost legendary.

As an aside, I used to dread reading the Book of Job in my annual trek through the Bible. But somewhere on my journey, I came to appreciate Job and even look forward to him. The text is Shakespearian in form. Each of the main people in the story is prone to make long speeches and Job is no exception. Yet, the speeches have a purpose and meaning.

In Job’s story, we learn that he is the “greatest man among the people of the East.” (Job 1: 3) We also learn that he is considered righteous by God. Ironically, it is because God is pleased with Job that Satan takes an interest in him. So begins a pattern of Satan testing Job and Job rising to the challenge and maintaining his righteousness before God. The tests become more personal and more brutal. Eventually, Job is reduced to sitting among the ashes and scraping his sores with a piece of broken pottery.

The next test of Job is listening to his “friends” accuse him of drawing God’s wrath because of his sin. Job protests that he has not sinned and this infuriates his accusers. Again and again, they take turns pummeling Job with accusations and innuendo. Job has none of it. He remains faithful to God and faithful to his integrity.

Finally, Job is confronted by the Living God Himself. He is questioned sternly. After listening to all that God has to say Job replies:

“I know that you can do all things;
no purpose of yours can be thwarted.

You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’
Surely I spoke of things I did not understand,
things too wonderful for me to know.

“You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak;
I will question you,
and you shall answer me.’

My ears had heard of you
but now my eyes have seen you.

Therefore I despise myself
and repent in dust and ashes.”

Job understands who he is and who God is. God is above Job’s understanding, a man who understood more than any of his contemporaries. James wants us to learn from Job’s experience. At the end of Job’s story, we learn that God restores everything he had before and more in abundant measure.

Trials seem like they are an end. For those without God, they can be. For those who know God, they are a summer storm that will soon pass.

Application: What is your trial right now? Is it bigger than God? Consider Job’s final words and learn from them.

Food for Thought: How does Job’s humility before God pave the way for an amazing comeback?