In the New Testament, James summarizes the entire book of Job in one verse when he writes:

“Of Job’s perseverance you have heard, and have seen the conclusion of the Lord, since the Lord is full of inward compassion and pity.”
Jas 5:11

The “conclusion of the Lord” is what the Book of Job wants to point us to. We cannot judge history properly until we know the outcome, the conclusion of the Lord. In this the Lord shows Himself full of deepest mercy and compassion, and the Lord turned the fortunes of Job. To be read in Job 42.

Another thing we learn from this outcome of the story: it is not about the “happy ending”, or at least not about the happy ending alone. It is not about Job receiving everything back several times over at the end of his suffering, even if that is nice for him. It is not about possessions and “things” in general, but about something else: to realize that God is full of deepest mercy and compassion. Job was God-fearing from the beginning, but did not really know God. At the end of the story, he recognized himself in God’s light. He also experienced the mercy of God.

One of the central insights of Job himself is: “I have come to know that You are able to do all things and that no plan is unworkable for You” (Job 42:2). God is truly God and directs and guides everything without exception. Job experienced this firsthand. Compare also the statements of Jesus and Paul in Matthew 19:26 and Ephesians 1:11.

Exchange

  • According to James, the life of Job is an example for us as well. How?
  • What matters in our own challenges?
  • Let us listen to Satan accusing Job before God. What do you think?
  • The more we grow in faith, the less we depend on external circumstances. We have learned that God’s “yes” to us is vouchsafed in Christ Jesus (2 Cor. 1:19-20) and is not dependent on our outward well-being. Discuss your own experience.
  • Do we trust God in His dealings with us?
  • Fear of God does not give all the answers in life, but makes us grow in strengthening trust in God’s graces.
  • What other benefits can we expect from a godly life?
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