Transcript: Job's Quest for Faith: A Christian Movie Based on the Bible

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Oh, my God. Good morning, Mi'ab. How many do we have? Twenty-nine, and I have dough for one more. That should be plenty, thank you. You're welcome, my lady. This is all I could find. Do you want me to go to the market and manna? This will be plenty, thank you. Abdu will be here soon for his meeting with Job. Will you bring us some water? Certainly, my lady. Thank you. How are the flatbread coming? This is the last one, and then I will start on the honey cakes. After I bring the water, I will go to the neighbors and make sure the animals have been started. I saw Abdiel riding through town. You like him. Did he pay any attention to you? He waved at me. That's a start. Did you wave back? Of course not. everyone would have noticed. Maybe if I linger a little longer he'll be in the courtyard when I bring water. Terza, if you linger a little longer you'll get both of us in trouble. You are right. Duty before important personal business. Things seem to be quite busy in there. Oh, you think the kitchen servants are busier than usual? What have you ever noticed such things? Thank you, Tirza. I will go to the neighbors and help them start the roast lamb and calf. Thank you. I would say you're making enough food for an army. or perhaps the entire family? Maybe for the entire family. Maybe for a birthday celebration? Maybe. I think it's Abdiil. You're sure I cannot go riding with him today? Job, my dear, you are a hundred years old. Today is a day for family. Abdel, my friend. So good of you to come. Greetings, Master. Word has it you're celebrating one hundred years today. Ha ha, yes. And I am under strict orders to remain close to home. Have something to drink. I bring you greetings from your eldest son, Jabin. He is a busy man. I do not see him as often as I would wish. I suppose you helped him prepare his monthly feast. Yes, most of your sons and daughters were there. Did any dishonor the Lord? Master, the Lord has blessed your obedience with good sons and daughters. I do not think... Abdiel, my friend, you do not answer my question. It's your youngest son, Nera. He may have drank too much, but please do not tell him that it was I that spoke of it. I must offer a sacrifice to the Lord for him. Will you make ready a lamb? Of course, Master. What else have you been eating this day? You have recorded that I now own 500 yoke of oxen, 7,000 sheep, 500 donkeys, and 3,000 camels. and in addition a large herd of cattle that has not been counted since the festival of shelters. You are a righteous man and the Lord has blessed you for it. The Lord has blessed me with a trustworthy chief herdsman. So what are your plans? I will go and visit all the herdsmen. A Sabian raiding party was seen near Idri. I must warn them of the danger. Tell them to keep the animals together in larger herds. the sabians look for smaller numbers of animals separated from the main herd i will tell them though we've had little rain it'll be hard to keep too many animals together for more than a couple of days do what you can tell them not to fight my servants are of greater value than my animals i will tell them may god's grace and mercy go with you Will Nari ever grow up? I know not, Sarah. But I do know that the Lord will honor my sacrifice for him. I hope you're right. I'm sorry. Where have you come from? From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it. Have you considered my servant, Joel? There is no one on earth like him. He is blameless and upright. A man who fears me and shuns evil. Does Job fear God for naught? Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? But stretch out your hand and smite everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face. Very well. Everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself, do not lay a finger. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Happy birthday, Grandfather. Thank you, Nara. And where are you off to today? I'm helping Mother bring food to Aunt Ruth. That is a wonderful daughter you and Jabin are raising. Thank you, Father. Happy birthday. Thank you, Keturah. How are things with your sister Ruth? She remains in the house. We will go visit her. Is there anything that Sarah and I can do? She needs time to grieve. The children still call for their father. I'm so sorry, Father. This is a day to celebrate your long life, not a day for grief. Do not be sorry. It seems that sorrow and blessing travel hand in hand. just remember to remind Ruth that her husband is in eternal bliss with our Lord that he is with her as we speak Grandfather we have a present for you but it's a secret we better not sneak any more of it now may the Lord look on you with favor and give you peace thank you for the blessing Father Jabin and I will see you at the feast tonight Greetings, Job. May the Lord bless you on this your 100th year. Thank you, Eliphaz. He has already blessed me beyond what I am worth. Zophar, does the day hold a special blessing for my daughter? Yes. My eldest son has finally agreed with us that your daughter Anna would make an excellent wife. Now maybe there's hope of you becoming a grandfather like the rest of us. Yes, Bildad. And then the two of you will no longer look on me as young and foolish. Do not worry, Zophar. It's been a long time since we thought of you, a young man. But it will take more than grandchildren for us to think you less foolish. I must go. Sarah and the servants are preparing a feast. The whole family will be there. I guess I should go and pretend to at least help make things ready. we're still meeting on the first day of the week? Yes. We will continue our study of righteousness. A new question has been going through my mind. Why is it that some receive blessing, but sorrow comes to others? Where is the Lord in this? Interesting questions, but I'm sure it won't be hard to find an answer. May you enjoy the company of your family tonight. you are a righteous man and a guide for us all may the Lord continue to bless you for it thank you my friends where do those questions come from? Shiva he was helping terrors with his house when a beam slipped and fell Look out! He was killed instantly. Oh! No! Oh, no! No! Mother! Why doesn't Father wake up? Mother! Mother! Yes, my son? Will Jared be there? Yes, all your cousins will be there. Even Peleg? Yes, Peleg. I don't care for him. He's mean. Hush, Jubal. Peleg needs you to be a friend. Run on now and be good. Wish your grandfather a happy birthday. Grandfather! Grandfather! My favorite grandchildren. Grandfather, you said I was your favorite. No, he said I was his favorite. Each of you is special to God and to me. Each of you can be my favorite. Jabe and my eldest. It is good to see you again. It's good being home. I'm away too much. I hope to find somebody to take care of some of the traveling for me. Keturah, my daughter. welcome here. Sarah and I are honored that you have come to share this meal with us. Today I'm reminded of the blessing of family. I'm also reminded that our time on earth is short, for it is written, You guide me with your instruction, and at the end you will receive me with honor. What else have I in heaven but you? And since I have you, what else could I possibly want on earth? Amen. He looked everywhere. Couldn't find it. Where had you put it? We stuck it in a pile of fresh camel dough. You go ahead and start. Okay. Yes. Yes, I win. You have provided a wonderful feast for us. Now go and enjoy a day of rest. But there will be much to clean up. We will manage. You are very kind. Good night, Tissa. Mirab, goodnight, my lady. We had been gone for three days, and we were getting close to home. But the closer we got to home, the more restless the camels became. We wondered, were there wild animals near? Suddenly, out jumped six men in black robes. Our camels became so frightened that they threw us off. They ran so fast that the robbers couldn't catch up. What did they do to you? They were so busy trying to catch the animals, they forgot all about us. What happened to your stuff? Three days later, our camels returned, and her belongings were still strapped to their backs. My youngest granddaughter. Have you decided on a name yet? I want Hannah, but my husband wants Nahushta. Sounds like an easy choice to me. Yes, tell your husband to stick to naming the boys. Mom, can we go out and play? Yes, Mom, can we go out and play, please? Anna, I hear you have a new friend. I do not know what you are talking about. I heard his name was Abadan. Is he nice? Is he rich? He is a righteous man, and Father likes him. So, he has met, Father. You are hoping, perhaps, for a marriage to be arranged? so we'll have to make some new wedding clothes and search for gifts. Sisters, stop your planning. Father knew him before I did. And besides, Father would not let me marry so soon. Think what you will. It sounds like Father's been doing some planning of his own. So we had best be planning too. What do you make of the reports of Sabians and Idri? I heard a band of three men was seen in dark robes. I for one will feel much better when they leave. I also. Father has instructed the herdsmen to keep the animals together. He's hoping they'll avoid our large herds. The animals cannot stay together for long. With no rain for three weeks, the grass is getting thin. I know. Father has instructed the men to flee in face of an attack. He may suffer the loss of many animals. Father is a God-fearing man. Would the Lord allow him to suffer such loss? Does he not protect all who are righteous? What of Shiva? What of Biyana who succumbed to blindness? There's no bitterness in his heart. He's a source of encouragement to us all. Can we always demand good health and prosperity from God? Thank you for coming, Jabin. I hear that you'll soon be leaving on another trip. Yes, I'm taking a small caravan to Hamath. I'll be gone for three days. It's a safe, busy road. I'll be taking Jubal with me. This is his first trip with me. Splendid. I'm sure he'll enjoy this new adventure. And you? Nada and I will be staying with my sister, Ruth. I have many questions. Jabin wonders if there wasn't some sin in Sheba's life. But I do not see it. Even if there was, how could someone go for so long without sin? And doesn't the Lord forgive those who repent? Maybe there's some other reason for suffering. If there is, it is hidden from us. Goodbye, Dribble. Keep your eyes and ears open, and you'll learn much. Bring back something special for your mother and sister, and you can keep the change. What do you say? Thank you, Grandfather. You're welcome. Have a good trip. Come, Narwa and Jubal. We must be going. Now I am sorry you dismissed the household servants and gave them a day of rest tomorrow. They have worked hard for many days. Your mother was right to dismiss them early. yes it's now more urgent than ever for you to learn the skill of keeping a clean house how old is your son Arrestus now almost 15 years so I'm guessing he knows everything yeah and no longer needs to listen to his father who is suddenly too old to know anything That is the way it is with you It will pass Abdiel Greetings! Greetings, Jael. Omri, how is it with you today? It is well. Where is the main herd? Heber took them across the river. He will return tomorrow. That is good. Sabians were seen over in Idri, and it is best if the animals are all together. They look for a small herd like this. We have no weapons. Our master does not wish for us to resist. Our lives are more important to him than his animals. Job is a good man. The Lord's blessing rests on Job, because he's a righteous man. Let us hope the Lord's blessing includes protection for Job's servants. I agree. Nevertheless, flee for your lives as the Sabians come. They are master swordsmen. And the Lord's hand of protection be over you. The End and the wicked will perish. Those who love the Lord will prosper, but suffering will come to those that do not know him. But is this always true? What do you mean? I think of Bayanna, who has lost his sight. He depends on others for his food, yet no complaining about his lot in life. his heart is pure as gold. Why should he suffer and we not? There may have been a time when his heart was not pure. And who can know the innermost thoughts of a person, even if he appear righteous to us? If God punishes the wicked, then it must follow that suffering is a sign of sin. What else can we conclude? Listen to this. God is truly good to those whose hearts are pure. But I had lost my confidence. I nearly lost my faith. Because I became jealous when I saw the proud. And I saw how good things happen to those who are wicked. They are strong and healthy. They do not suffer as other people do. They do not have the troubles that other people have. They wear their pride as a necklace. and violence as a robe. Their hearts pour out evil, and their minds plot wicked schemes. What is it? Thought I heard something. Sounds like an animal. I'm going to go see. Perhaps it'll be our supper. It is nothing. Behind you. Hombre. Deresta's run. Leave him. To the animals. Father? Father? Your father is dead. It is not safe here. We will return for your father. They laugh at others and speak of evil things. they are proud and plan to oppress others. That is what the wicked are like. They have plenty and are always getting more. How is it that the wicked prosper but some who are righteous suffer? If it appears that the wicked prosper it is only for a time. And if the righteous suffer There must be some sin for which there has been no repentance. I agree. Remember how the passage starts. God is indeed good to those with pure hearts. Run! But heed the next part. Is it for nothing then that I have kept myself pure and committed no sin? O God, you have made me suffer all day long. Why does the writer talk about suffering when he has kept himself pure? Maybe it is just his opinion that he is pure. Remember, if we suffer, then the fault lies with us. Sin is detestable in the sight of God. In other words, God must have been trying to tell him that there's unconfessed sin in his life. So you're saying then that when the righteous suffer, it only appears that they are righteous? God knows their heart. So God sends suffering in order to bring about repentance? That is correct. The passage ends with an admission that we cannot always know the mind of God in such matters. When my thoughts were bitter and my feelings were hurt, I was as stupid as an animal. I did not understand you. Jubal and I just returned from a successful trip. Some of the food that's being prepared for us today is from the market of Hamath. The wind has come up fast. I sense a storm coming. If so, I hope Jabin brought enough food for several days. Perhaps it is only a small gust. Jabin, what was that? I'm not sure. The wind is strong. Katora, the fire has gone out. There's something evil in the wind. Get the women and children under the table. Kudura, get down! Since I have you, what else could I want on earth? God is my strength. He is all I ever need. It sounds like he thought that suffering might come. that we can trust him in spite of our pain. Masters, Job, the Sabians, Omri is dead. Jael, what are you saying? Omri and I were watching a small herd of cattle. The Sabians came and they struck Omri with a sword and they've taken all the cattle. Omri is dead? He was going to check a noise in the bush. As he was returning, they came. And his son watched him die. Masters, I beg your pardon. I've never seen such a thing. Fire has rained out on his sheep. Job, all three herds are destroyed. All destroyed? Job! What more can there be? The Shaldeans came with a large army. We fled before them as you commanded. But the others were struck down by arrows and all the camels taken. I am the only one to survive. The others killed? All the animals destroyed? There's nothing left? Abdeel. What is it? You have come from Jabin's feast. There was a windstorm. The house collapsed. And then it was gone. What of my family? All have perished. All perished? My children? My grandchildren? I came with nothing into this world. And now I shall leave with nothing. The End I'm sorry. Thank you. Thank you. Amen. Thank you. they were given as a gift from the Lord now he has taken back what belongs to him may the name of the Lord be praised I'm sorry. Thank you. He still maintains his integrity. though you incited me against him to ruin him without reason. A man will give all he has for his own breath but stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones and he will curse you to your face. He is in your hands but you shall spare his life. Goodbye, Job. May the Lord be with you, Job. More food from our neighbors. We cannot continue to depend on our neighbors for food. What silver have we left? Little. and even that would be gone too had not your brother forgiven the debt from the cattle I just bought from him. So we have nothing, forced to depend on those that once depended on us. We have the Lord. He has not forsaken us. People are whispering. I can feel it. They wonder why this calamity has come upon us. I sense it too. Sofar tried to speak a blessing, but his heart was not in it. Why is this happening? What have we done to deserve such sorrow? Where is the Lord in this? I cannot see his mind. We accept his blessing. When he sends trouble, how can we refuse it? Oh, my God. Oh, my God. I sorry The End silent before him. How much more can he do? Why not curse him before he takes even your breath away? Silence. You do not know what you're talking about. I don't know. Oh God, put a curse on the day I was born. Never again remember that day. Never again let light shine on it. make it a day of gloom and thick darkness cover it with clouds and blot out the sun I wish I had died in my mother's womb or died the moment I was born if I had died then I would be at peace sleeping with the kings and rulers of old everything I fear and dread comes true I have no peace no rest and my troubles never end Sarah Sarah why let men go on living in misery why give a light to men in grief Eliphaz! Eliphaz! Greetings, Sarah. What is it? What is wrong? It's Job. The Lord has forsaken him. Won't you go to him, please? I'll go. Thank you. I'm going to my mother's. She's recently widowed in need of some company. Are you going alone? Oh, it's a safe road. Why not curse him before he takes even your breath away? I wait for death, but it never comes. I prefer a grave to any treasure. I will not be happy until I am dead and buried. you have taught many people and have given strength to feeble hands someone stumbled your words encouraged him to stand you worshipped God and your life was blameless and so you should have confidence and hope Think back now. Name a single time when a righteous man met with disaster. Evil does not grow in the soil. We bring trouble on ourselves just as surely as sparks fly up from the fire. If I were you, I would turn to God and present my case to Him. Maybe He has forgotten you. I've heard all this before. But how can any man win his case against God? How can anyone argue with him? He can ask a thousand questions that none of us could ever answer. God is offering you comfort. Do not reject it. I have spoken for him with calm, even words. But you seem angry with God. All I can do is beg for mercy from God, my judge. But even I cannot believe that he will listen to me. He sends me storms that batter and bruise me without any reason at all. Joe, I beg of you. Make peace with God and stop treating him like an enemy. He will rescue you if you are innocent. If I am innocent, I am innocent. The comfort you give is only torment. I want someone to plead with God for me as a man pleads for his friends. I just don't understand. Job was a righteous man, and yet God has forsaken him and brought disaster upon us. Everything we had, all of our children. If God causes us to suffer, I follow him. We follow him because of the hope he has given us that one day suffering will end. We follow him because he is our creator. You've worn me out. You have let my family be killed. You have seized me. You are my enemy. I am nothing but skin and bones. And people take this as proof of my guilt. I would rather be strangled than live in this miserable body. My life makes no sense. Why use me for your target practice? Can you not forgive my sins? Can you not pardon the wrongs I do? Soon I will be in my grave. and I will be gone when you come look for me. I was angry at him. I told him all there was left to do was to curse God and die. It is I that deserves death now. We all deserve death, but God in his love gives us hope. What hope is there? The Lord is my shepherd. I have everything that I need. He lets me rest in fields of green grass and leads me to quiet pools of fresh water. He guides me in the right paths as He has promised. Even though I walk through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, Lord, for you are with me. Your shepherd's rod and staff protect me. You prepare a banquet for me, where all my enemies can see me. You welcome me as an honored guest. You fill my cup to the brim. I know that your goodness and love will be with me all my life. And your house will be my home for as long as I live. Cling to that hope, Sarah. Job will need your strength, finding that hope again. The End mother. When Job left me, I assume he came here. Why did he leave? He was angry with me. I suspect he's even angry with God. Angry with God? How is that possible? Who would dare be angry with the Almighty? I do not understand what is happening to Job. He is a righteous man, has always loved God, and now this. If he's angry with God, he's fortunate to be alive. His suffering is beyond my ability to fathom. I think he longs for the release that only death would bring. I wanted him to plead his case before God in case he had forgotten Job. I told him that if he was innocent, God would restore him. And that is why he became angry? Yes. He claims to have done nothing to deserve the punishment God has meted out. Why has God done this? There must be unconfessed sin or some hidden wickedness. You think that? How could that be? What could Job have done? I do not know, but sin must be confessed, including the sin of anger towards God. He must have returned home. I'm sorry for bringing you all this way. Do not worry. It has given us a chance to talk about how we could help our friend. Job, I beg of you, make peace with God and stop treating him like an enemy. He will rescue you if you are innocent. Lord, do not be angry and rebuke me. Do not punish me in your anger. I'm worn out. Oh Lord, pity on me. Give me strength. I am completely exhausted. And my whole being is deeply troubled. if I have wronged anyone. If I have without cause done violence to an enemy, if I have betrayed a friend, then let my enemies pursue me and catch me. Let them cut me down and kill me and leave me lifeless on the ground. Job, my friend. Job! It is Bildad and Eliphaz! I'm here. My wife has sent food. Thank you, my friend. Is there anything else you need? There's no water in the house. I will go. Job, have you pleaded for God's help? If you're honest and pure, God will surely help you. What would you have me do? Should I take God to court? Can any of us make him go? Have I sinned against you? No. Tell me. If I have not sinned against you, then why do I suffer? Why did I lose everything? Why did my children die? Thank you, Eliphaz. God never twists justice. Could your children have sinned and received the punishment they deserved? Bill, Dad, you know my family. Do you really think that they were so wicked that they deserved to die in such terrible a fashion? with my grandchildren. I am Atul's baby. Consider the truths our fathers learned. God will never give help to evil men or abandon the faithful. He has abandoned me. And the comfort you give is only torment. Why can you not listen to our counsel? You're only hurting yourself with your anger towards God, with your claims of innocence. You think that you're better than I am, and regard my troubles as proof of my guilt. My way is blocked and I cannot get through. My path is hidden in darkness. My wife cannot bear to walk beside me. And now even you, my brothers, forsake me. Those I've loved the most have turned against me. Sarah. Why not curse him before he takes even your breath away? Shifu. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. God will never give help to evil men or abandon the faithful. He has taken everything from us, and now he has struck you. I lie down and I try to rest. I try to find relief from my pain. But you... You terrify me with dreams. You send me visions and nightmares until I'd rather be strangled than live in this miserable body. I hear the footsteps of a heavy heart. The Lord is near to those who call on his name. Greetings, Baena. I have tried out to him, but my heart is still heavy. Why do God's servants suffer when there is no evil in them? I cannot give an answer, but that question no longer troubles me. Sarah, I do not know why I am blind, but I do know that God has not abandoned me. Lord, I cannot see your purpose, but I've made a promise to care for the husband you have given me. The End Job is innocent. He can't be innocent. Let us just suppose for a moment that he is. Could there be any other reason for his suffering? None. God punishes wicked men and blesses those who follow him. Job claims he's innocent and blames God for his misery. How is it possible? Is it possible we do not fully understand God's ways? Does God always view suffering as we do? There is a simple answer for suffering, and Job refuses to see it. Greetings, Zophar. Greetings, Bildad. Eliphaz. Have you come from visiting Job? How is he? Physically, he is not far from death. What evil could he have done to deserve such misery? And the sorrow of losing his children? I cannot imagine Job sinning, but he must turn from whatever it is he has done to be restored. Surely he knows this. He refuses to admit his sin. But that is the only path to hope and restoration. I'm going to see him. Will you come with me? We will. But I'm not sure Job will listen anymore. Music Joe Zophar is with us May we come in? Job! He was here just a short time ago, but he was very angry last time we spoke. He is not here. Greetings, Sarah. My wife wanted to send over some food. I'll tell you that you're here. Thank you. Is Job at his place of prayer? I'm not sure. I just returned a short while ago. We will go see. I will come soon. I know that my husband is a righteous man. What then of a suffering? We have been taught that God punishes the wicked. The path to restoration is through repentance. But, but Job sees no need of this. What if we do not fully understand God's ways? What if there are other causes of suffering? Could it be that suffering comes as a test to our faith? If calamities should come to you someday, could you maintain your integrity to our God in face of condemnation and rejection by those who once professed to love you? Job, how can suffering come to a righteous person? Is there not hidden sin that must be confessed? Put away evil and wrong from your home, and all your troubles will fade from your memory. You have no troubles, and yet you hit me when I am down. You are like doctors unable to heal. But my dispute is not with you. It is with God. So be quiet and give me the chance to speak with him. What are my sins? What wrongs have I done? What crimes am I being charged with? Why bring suffering on a man with no wickedness or deceit? I wish you would hide me in the world of the dead. Let me be hidden until your anger is over. Then set a time to remember me. Job, your words anger me. Surely you know that no wicked man has ever been happy for long. Heaven reveals man's sin, and all his wealth is swept away in the wrath of God's anger. This is the fate of wicked men. They bring suffering on themselves. Some men are healthy until they die. and some never find happiness at all, but all alike die and are buried. Job, I beg you, make peace with God. I am innocent, but still I suffer. Tell me, where is my father? God does not turn his face from you because you stand in awe of him. No. It is because you have sinned so much. What fine help you've been. As long as God gives me breath, I will always insist on my innocence. I will never say that you were right. My conscience is clear. What if he is innocent? What if there is another cause for his suffering? This is how God punishes wicked, violent men. Their sons will be killed. Their wealth will be given to honest men. Terror will strike like a wind in the night, causing their house to collapse as they sleep. If only things could be the way they were when God was with me. God was with me then, and he gave me light to walk through the darkness. Those were the days when I was prosperous, and the friendship of God protected my home. Almighty God was with me then, and I was surrounded by all my children and my grandchildren. My cows and goats gave plenty of milk, and my olive trees grew in the thorniest and rockiest of soil. Whenever the city elders met, I took my place among them. Everyone who saw me or heard of me had good things to say about me. When the poor cried out, I helped them. Men who were in deepest misery praised me. I had expected to live a long life and die in comfort at home. Now there is no end to my suffering. And I will die alone. I will die alone. Thank you. Sarah. Job. My love. I do not know why our children had to die or why you must suffer so. But I know that you are a righteous man. And the suffering is not any punishment for any evil you have done. You've always been good to me. Providing for me. Helping me. Loving me. remember the vows made for God to stay with you until the end of our days here on Earth. And to that I still hold. Will you forgive me for my words of despair? Yes. Gladly. Permit me to pray. Father, Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth, I come before you on behalf of your servant Job. God, you know of his suffering and the reason for it, even though we do not. You love us and hold us in your hand. May we continue to find the will to trust, and may your name be glorified, even in the shadow of death. Amen. Thank you. Thank you. Sarah. Sarah. Sarah. Sarah, look I've been healed He has not forsaken us Come, let us go and worship him I'm sorry. Elephants! I am the Lord God, the creator of Heaven and Earth. My anger burns against you and your two friends Bildad and Zophar. You have not spoken the truth about me to Job. Find your two friends and bring them to Job. I will command them to pray for you so I do not disgrace you as you deserve. What is it Job? The Lord is here. I will go to him. Thank you. Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Who marked off its dimensions? Who laid its cornerstone while the morning stars sank together and all the angels shuddered for joy? Who shut up the sea behind doors, when it burst forth from the womb? When I say, This far you may come, and no farther, Here is where your proud waves halt. Have you ever in all your light commanded a day to dawn? Have you ever given orders to the morning, or shown the dawn its place? Have you comprehended the vast expanses of the earth? Tell me, if you know all this, do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you raise your voice to the clouds? And if you command the lightning to flush, will it come to you and say, At your service? Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him. I am unworthy. How can I reply to you? Are you trying to prove that I am unjust to put me in the wrong and yourself in the right? Eliphaz! Bring your friends Bildad and Zophar and come before me. I am angry with you. You have not spoken the truth about me or about my righteous servant. Job, pray for your three friends so that I do not do to them what they deserve. Could your children have sinned and received the punishment they deserved? We bring trouble on ourselves just as surely as sparks fly up from the fire. God does not turn his face from you because you stand in awe of him. No. It is because you have sinned so much. Almighty God, we have spoken words we do not understand. Our ears had heard of you, but now our eyes have seen you, and we have seen your power and your glory. We repent in dust and ashes. Amen. The End There's hardly a day that goes by in which we don't think about the loss of our children or the pain of that awful disease. God never did reveal to us why we had to suffer. But for Sarah and I, the circumstances we found ourselves in and the reasons for our suffering no longer mattered. What mattered was that God had not forgotten us. Like Bayanna, we had been healed of the need to be healed. Before the rocks Before the hills And trees and rivers Before the rocks Became I am the rock Before the light Before the sun, the stars, the universe Before the light became I am the light Before the trees put forth their leaves in springtime Before the thundering wind draw near the shore Before the sun could rise in the beginning I was and am and will be evermore Before the man, before the human eye Beheld creation before the song, before the human voice could sing my praise. Before the trees before their leaves in springtime, before the thundering waves draw near the shore. Before the sun could rise in the beginning, I was and now and will be evermore. The one who is, I am. The one who wants, I am. The one who will be, I am. No one who loves, no one who looks, no one has saved, I am. Before the trees will fall their leaves in springtime, before the thundering waves are near the shore, Before the sun could rise in the beginning, I was and have and will be evermore. Thank you. Thank you.