THE BOOK OF JOB
On January 8th, we will begin a brand new series on the book of Job! There are two primary reasons why this is one of the greatest books ever written. First, most people who are aware of great literature will say that as far as literary style is concerned Job is a classic. Second, all people who have seriously studied the Bible know that Job is a monumental piece of work because it deals with one of the most pressing questions in human existence: the problem of pain and suffering.
And so anyone who is familiar with a) great literature, and b) the Bible recognizes that Job is one of the finest books ever written! The major problem, however, is that it is very difficult to find people today who are both a) great literary critics, and b) true biblical scholars! That is, most literary critics don’t know much about the Bible, and so for this reason the book of Job is usually overlooked at our finest universities in the study of the humanities and fine arts. As a result, the book of Job is rarely ever given the recognition it deserves.
By the way, when we begin our study of the book of Job on January 8th, we will be distributing an important outline that will help you in your reading and studying throughout this entire series, and let me tell you why you will want to pay close attention to this handout. For instance, in the second major section of the book of Job, we will note that Job has three rounds of debates with his friends, who often provide incorrect advice and poor theology. And so as you read from these passages please don’t simply claim some of these verses as God’s inerrant word to you! While they are in the Bible for a reason, and while they accurately reflect the opinions of Job’s friends, they are not always God’s truth, and if an informed teacher does not show you this, you’ll be confused and possibly misled!
Devotedly your pastor,
Bill Blanchard