The Transformation of Job (Bot9 #251)

“'Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you make it known to me.’” - Job 42:4

In this exploration of the transformational journey both in film and in my own life, I’ve also looked into God’s Word to see if this pattern holds true. I mean, at the end of the day, does anyone care if Roy Hobbs or other characters from the imaginations of men go through fictional transformation? It takes some work to get our minds and hearts to caring about commonality from fiction. But to see that same pattern of transformation in the lives of men and women in the Bible means something more. It captures our spirit differently.

Take Job, for example. I’ve been studying the wisdom books using the Read Scripture app and videos (watch this video outlining the book of Job to gain some context), and this transformational journey works itself out in Job’s life as well.

We see Job in his Known World (Job 1:1-5) - he is blameless and upright, a picture of righteousness. We learn about his family and read a list of all of his possessions. Because of the deal Satan strikes with God, Job experiences a Fork in the Road when Satan takes his property and his children. Job experiences great loss. Things get progressively worse until Job reaches his No Turning Back moment when his wife tells him to “curse God and die” (Job 2:9).

Job’s Trials & Temptations, like so many of ours, are more spiritual than physical. Job has a Community around him including three friends (Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite - Job 2:11-13) who dialogue with him about the nature of God, justice, and all that has occurred. Late in this dialogue, Job and his friends hear from Elihu (Job 32) for a fresh perspective. Job’s Greatest Obstacle occurs as he presents his final defense and appeal, asking for and encountering God (Job 38).

After hearing directly from God, Job achieves Transformation and Triumph. His Transformation is represented in his confession and repentance, recognizing his place in creation. The Triumph for Job is spiritual, but it’s also as the Lord restores Job’s fortunes (Job 42:10-17).

Ultimately, Job, and all of man, is called to trust God’s wisdom in the good and the difficult times. When we do, we are restored to fresh levels of relationship with God and man. Job’s Wisdom to Share may be best represented in his confession and repentance below (Job 42:1-6). Now that most high school and college seasons are over for the summer, may we all draw close to the Lord and embrace His wisdom over our own.

Then Job answered the Lord and said:
“I know that you can do all things,
and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’
Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,
things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
‘Hear, and I will speak;
I will question you, and you make it known to me.’
I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear,
but now my eye sees you;
therefore I despise myself,
and repent in dust and ashes.”