Keep Your Eyes on the Big Issue - A LESSON IN PERSPECTIVE

Note:  Sorry about the mix-up here. This topic was suppose to be the first on the list in home  page, but I realized that there was one that I somehow did not published. Keep in mind, I am 70 years old and do make mistakes, and that no one on this earth is perfect, yet.  Thank you for being patient with an old woman who loves God.

The need for proper perspective is made quite clear in the book of Job, one of the earliest Bible books to be written. There we learn of Satan's contention that if subjected to intense suffering, Job would reject God. Satan suggested that God personally afflict Job.  Jehovah did not do that, but he allowed Satan to test Job, stating:  "Everything that he has is in your hand."  (Read Job 1:7-12)  In a short time, Job lost his servants, his means of livelihood, and his ten beloved children. Satan accomplished  this in a way that made it appear as if God himself had been the cause of Job's troubles.  (Job 1:13-19)  Satan next afflicted Job with a painful and repulsive illness.  (Job 2:7) His despair was deepened further by the disheartening words of his wife and of three companions who acted as if they were his friends. -Job 2:9; 3:11; 16:2. 

The result?  Satan's claim was shown to be completely false. Job refused to turn his back on God.  (Job 27:5) However, Job temporarily lost the proper perspective. He became absorbed in establishing his own righteousness, even demanding a reason for his suffering. (Job 7:20; 13:24) We might think that would be understandable in the light of all that he had suffered. Yet, God saw the need to correct Job's thinking. What did Jehovah tell him?

God's words to job fill four chapters in the book of Job-chapters 30 through 41. Nowhere do we read of God's telling Job specifically the reason behind his suffering.  The main point of Jehovah's words was not to explain to Job why he was suffering, as if God had to justify himself. Rather, Jehovah wanted to help Job recognize his insignificance in comparison with God's greatness. And he helped Job to see that there were greater issues with which to be concerned. (Read Job 38:18-21)  This helped Job regain the proper perspective. 

Next time: Keep Your Eyes on the Big Issue - Conclusion of  A LESSON IN PERSPECTIVE 

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