Things That Make You Go Hmm… 1 of 3

Objective: In order to begin to understand life’s ills, we will ponder deep thoughts through a biblical lens for biblical answers. You may not like most of the answers, but you’ll learn to live with them in a healthy, holy, and happy way.

When Bad Things Happen to Good People

Job 1:13-22 NLT One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting at the oldest brother’s house, [14] a messenger arrived at Job’s home with this news: “Your oxen were plowing, with the donkeys feeding beside them, [15] when the Sabeans raided us. They stole all the animals and killed all the farmhands. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.” [16] While he was still speaking, another messenger arrived with this news: “The fire of God has fallen from heaven and burned up your sheep and all the shepherds. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.” [17] While he was still speaking, a third messenger arrived with this news: “Three bands of Chaldean raiders have stolen your camels and killed your servants. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.” [18] While he was still speaking, another messenger arrived with this news: “Your sons and daughters were feasting in their oldest brother’s home. [19] Suddenly, a powerful wind swept in from the wilderness and hit the house on all sides. The house collapsed, and all your children are dead. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.” [20] Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship. [21] He said, “I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The LORD gave me what I had, and the LORD has taken it away. Praise the name of the LORD!” [22] In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God.

Introduction: It is not a question of if but when bad things happen. Time is filled with swift transition, and it behooves us all to live, to live as if we have an authority, and to live as if we have an adversary.

Transition: Job is an old patriarchal story, composed of testing, trouble and triumph. It causes us to raise legitimate questions when bad things happen to good people. Questions like… Where is God? When will bad get better? and Why do bad things happen to good people?

Exposition: When bad things happen…

–Grieve

–Give God glory

–Give the satan/accuser a black eye

Conclusion: “Job’s story does not directly answer the question of innocent suffering. However, it does help Job understand his creatureliness and mortality. He comes to know that God is real and accessible to the people who call upon God and that God is present in their struggle to face and overcome suffering.” (Troublesome Bible Passages, Wingeier and Watson, page 24)