Expository Suppository

Ok, I was just going to put this as a comment to Josh's but I think I'm going to pull a Tim...

First off, you have to remember that God also called Job blameless at the beginning. Yes, Job was unaware of this since it took place in Heaven, but it still happened. Yes, it was because of the Law and culture and stuff. He knew he was a sinner and condemned under the Law [we forget this, but many Israelites understood that they were condemned under the Law and were eagerly awaiting the coming of Messiah. Imagine knowing that salvation is not yet your's! Is that depressing or hopeful of things to come?]. But not only was he obedient to the Law in every way, he also did not curse God for any of the things that happened to him.

(possible spoiler, Josh)I also love God's response. Nowhere in it does he answer any of Job's questions or complaints. His entire monologue is simply stating that he is the God of the universe, and therefore in control of all things. But he doesn't just declare his glory and leave it at that. He let's Job respond. Job says, "Oh crap! I'm scared!" and then ducks down into the 'tornado drill' position (head between legs, kiss ass goodbye). Then God tells him that he's not getting away that easily. He will not only have book knowledge (from the Law) of who God is, but will understand in his core the total awesomeness and wonder of the Lord. So God declares one more time his power. Job's answer shows that he finally understands who God is and his own relation to God: "My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes."

One of the last things God does in this story is really cool. Job's friends all tried to find fault in Job. So to prove to them that Job was actually blameless, God had them present a sacrifice in Job's presence, and then had Job pray for them! How about them apples? I won't even go into what all this means for prayer, because, to be honest, I haven't figured that one out yet.

I recently read some of Julian of Norwich. She was on her death bed and then was miraculously healed and had a huge "God moment." She realized how good God's ways are even when we don't see it at the moment. She then penned the phrase "All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well." Think about that one for a bit.

And while you're doing that, get a copy of "Devotional Classics" by Richard Foster. It's a compilation of some great stuff by people like Julian of Norwich, Thomas Merton, John of the Cross, Bernard of Clairvaux, Henri Nouwen, Gregory of Nyssa, Francis of Assisi, Watchman Nee, and a butt load of other people that make me feel lame.