Job's Response

The book of Job, found in the Old Testament of the Bible, contains the story of a man who suffers the loss of his children, wealth, health, and reputation. Job's Response retells the biblical account of Job's prayers and conversations in the aftermath of his calamity. The original story is closely followed, using quotations from the Bible to keep it on the rails. Ties to the rest of the Bible are introduced. Job experiences the grief that naturally results from his loss. He mourns. He seeks God, his sovereign Lord, who brought this calamity into his life. Friends, who come alongside with good intentions, become less than helpful. Job believes that God loves and defines him, according to divine purpose and desire. As he reaches out with unvarnished honesty, he disentangles emotions, hindrances, and contradictions. Along the way, he finds healing and once again embraces life. James, the brother of Jesus Christ, reflects on Job's example with these words: "You have heard of the perseverance of Job, and have seen the Lord in the outcome, and how the Lord is full of compassion and mercy." Job's response to life is a biblical gold standard, displaying his perseverance, his identity, his engagement with others, and his process of healing. He exemplifies love, faith, courage, good character, and intimacy with God.