This last section of Job contains 3 long speeches: one each by Job, Elihu, and God.  In Job's speech, he lays out his final defense, still not able to understand why God has punished him in such a harsh way.  Next, we're introduced to a new character, a young(er) man named Elihu.  He claims to have heard the conversation between Job and his friends and feels the need to step in now and defend God.  While he claims to have wisdom, it's quite clear by the end of his speech that he is just like Job's other 3 friends.  Finally, God speaks!  What will he say?  What does Job need to hear?  Who is the one who has wisdom?  And who can know that wisdom?  Chapter 42 adds an interesting ending to the story.  Be sure to check out the blog for the guiding questions as you read and for the opportunity to interact with each other.  We enter our rhythm of LEARN-READ-INTERACT.

From How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens, Michael Williams makes these points about Job:

Phrase: God and suffering

Theme: God is active in areas and realms beyond our understanding.

Christ-Focus: Christ gives us the ultimate picture of the righteous sufferer as he accomplishes God's saving purposes (1 Peter 3:18).

Implications: We can believe that God is with us even during the hard times, just as he was with his own Son (1 Peter 4:12-19).

Questions: Where is God when it hurts?  When things go the way you want, does that mean that God is blessing you?

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