Jobe: A Story of Grace

by Brad Duncan

  Jobe said, “Find out what's going on out there!”

  A young associate rushed out. He bolted right back into the room. “Our computer systems have been hacked and all of our clients and employees information was breached. Our banking and financials were somehow emptied out. This is a mess. Technically speaking, at this moment, Jobe Industries is bankrupt.”

  Jobe spoke hastily to Vincent, “Get on top of this now. We need to contact every government and private agency we can to get this figured out! I'm going to run and tell Jasmine that I'm staying here while we get this straight! I want everyone assured that we will survive this!”

  Jobe raced to his hotel. When he got out of his car, he was surrounded by reporters. They barraged him with questions.

  One loudly asked above the rest, “Jobe! Jobe! What's it like to go from world's richest man to flat broke in the same day?”

  Without breaking stride Jobe responded, “I've survived tougher days than this.”

  He rushed into his hotel suite and Jasmine ran to him crying, “What's going on Jobe? This is crazy! Are the things I'm hearing on TV true?”

  He reassured her, “A lot of it is true. But we'll figure it out.”

  Just then on the TV screen popped up an aerial shot of a devastated home. At the bottom of the screen it read: “Jobe Manor Destroyed by Tornado.”

  Hurriedly Jobe reached down for the TV remote control. He turned up the volume.

  “In breaking news, tragedy strikes the Jobe family. After unheard of business losses this morning, the famous Jobe family was struck with catastrophe much closer to home. The Jobes’ multi-million dollar estate was ravaged by a very rare California category F-5 tornado. Fortunately, there aren't any other homes nearby, due to their sprawling estate, and this is the only damage sustained in the area. Tragically, all ten of the Jobe children are believed dead at this time. We'll update this situation as we learn more. In other news....”

  Jasmine screamed. Jobe stood in stunned silence. Moments later, they both began to sob uncontrollably.

  Jobe collapsed to his knees and cried, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

  Through all this, Jobe did not sin nor did he blame God.

  Chapter 4

  Job 2:1-7 Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them to present himself before the Lord. The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it.” The Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man fearing God and turning away from evil. And he still holds fast his integrity, although you incited Me against him to ruin him without cause.” Satan answered the Lord and said, “Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. However, put forth Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh; he will curse You to Your face.” So the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your power, only spare his life.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.

  The next morning Vincent stopped by to visit Jobe and Jasmine. He entered their hotel suite. “I'm so sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine the pain you're going through.”

  Jobe replied softly, “Thank you, Vincent.”

  “How is Jasmine holding up?”

  “Not good. She's taken a sedative and is sleeping.”

  Vincent said, “I hate to even bring this up, but our lawyers want to discuss some of our options with you about the company moving forward. I know right now isn’t...”

  Jobe interrupted, “Vincent, I'm taking a leave of absence. As of this moment you are in charge.”

  Vincent protested, “Jobe, this is your company. We haven't even discussed the fact that many of the problems we’re experiencing are due to my decision to move forward with the oil division without insuring it.”

  Jobe said, “None of that matters now. Goodbye, Vincent.”

  Around midnight that evening Jobe awoke with a pounding headache and struggling to breath. He fought to sit up and stumbled over to the bathroom. In the dark he turned on the sink and ran his hands under the cool water. He bent over the sink, cupped his hands and splashed water on his face. Shocked by the pain, he reached and turned on the light. His body was completely covered in red pus-filled boils.

  He stumbled back into the bedroom, turned on the light and gasped, “Jasmine! Jasmine!”

  Startled, she cried out, “What's wrong?!”

  He gasped, “Call an ambulance.”

  She dialed 911 and then the front desk.

  Jasmine looked at her husband, who had collapsed onto their bed, covered in sores all over his body and struggling to breathe. She thought of the death of all of their children. Her countenance changed. She stiffened and said, “Your God has abandoned us.”

  Struggling to breathe Jobe said, “It will be...all right. God will...see us...through this.”

  She coldly replied, “Are you still holding onto your integrity? Curse God and die!”

  Jobe was shocked by her words. He replied, “Can we accept...God's goodness...but not adversity?”

  Through all of this Jobe did not sin.

  Twenty minutes later, Jobe was rushed into Mount Sinai Hospital's emergency room. They took his vitals, ran scans, and collected labs from him. His breathing became even more labored. The doctors decided to place him on a ventilator to help control his breathing. They were worried that he might go into full blown cardiac arrest if they didn't act quickly.

  He was moved to the Intensive Care Unit. The next morning Father O'Malley, Pastor Taylor, and Bishop Miller all arrived at the hospital. They were escorted back to Jobe's room. His face and body were so distorted from the disease that they didn’t recognize him.

  The nurse explained to the clergymen that Jobe was in critical condition, and would have to be on the ventilator until he could breathe on his own. They asked why he was in restraints and she said they didn't want him pulling out his breathing tube. She added that he had gotten loose a few hours earlier and grabbed a potted plant on his bedside table. He had broken the pot and used the shards to scrape the hideous boils. His arms and chest were bandaged from the deep cuts. The church leaders wept and prayed for their friend.

 

  Chapter 5

  Job 3:1 “Afterward Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth.”

  Seven days later Jobe was taken off the ventilator. The three religious leaders came to visit him. They had been by on a daily basis, but hadn’t been able to talk with him.

  Jobe's doctor met with the men before they entered the room.

  “It's good to see you here again today. We've removed Mr. Jobe from the ventilator. Physically, he's still in immense pain. We’ve never seen a case this severe. The nerve endings throughout his entire body are hypersensitive from the disease causing his boils. We haven't been able to control his pain. Emotionally, he's in a bad place. It's understandable, given his unbelievable sickness and loss. I'll let you determine where he's at spiritually.”

  The men thanked the doctor and entered Jobe's room.

  Father O'Malley greeted him, “It's good to see you, Jobe. How are you doing?”

  Jobe said, “I curse the day I was born. It would have been better to have never existed than to go through this misery. Why does God allow people who are going to suffer this much to even be born? I would rather be in my grave.”

  Father O'Malley said, “Jobe, listen to me. You have helped a lot of others who were in need. Now you're hurting and you shouldn't become impatient with God. From what I
have seen, God rewards people who do good with blessings. By the breath of God, evil people are destroyed. God keeps even the angels accountable for their deeds. How much more will he punish mere men? If it were me, I would seek the Lord. He takes pity on those who deserve it. If you obey God, He will bless you in so many ways. Your home and family will be secure. You need to listen to what I’m saying.”

  Jobe listened to Father O'Malley blame him for his bad situation. It hurt him deeply. He said, “I expected some kindness from my friends. Why are you blaming me? My life is only a breath away. Please just leave me alone.”

  Then Pastor Taylor spoke up. “God is good! If you will admit what you have done I'm sure He will forgive you. He will undo your misery.”

  Jobe replied, “I would like to question God in a court of law about how I'm being treated, but that's impossible. I'm guiltless, but I'm being punished! I'm not saying the Lord isn't perfect. I'm just saying I haven't done anything to deserve this. I loathe my life. It would have better to have never been born. God knows good and well I'm not guilty, but I can't question Him. It's like he made a beautiful bowl out of glass and then smashed it for no reason.”

  Bishop Miller exclaimed, “What a flood of words from a mere man questioning our perfect God. I think we should put a stop to this mockery. You say you've done nothing wrong, but it sounds like you haven't gotten half of what you deserve. Questioning God like this is pathetic. Who knows the mind of God or understands it? If you are truly sorry, and admit what you've done, God will still forgive you. He's that good and loving. He will bless you with lots of things again.”

  Jobe answered him, “You think I’m worried about my things? It's good to know wisdom starts and ends with you. It's easy for the healthy to condemn the sick. The Lord raises up leaders and cuts them off. It's all in His hands. I know this already. I'm tired of listening to you blaming me for causing all of this. You keep defending God by saying that I must have done something horrible to deserve this. He doesn't need defense lawyers. Just because you don't understand why a good man is suffering doesn't mean you can ignore it. God does what He wants.”

  Then Jobe added, “Please be quiet. I'd like to pray to God instead of talking to you.

  “Almighty God, You hold all power in Your hand. Forgive me, a creation, for questioning my Creator, but I have nowhere else to turn. You are my only hope. You have numbered my days. Could You please remove my agony for a moment? Even if You won't, I will still worship You alone. Though You slay me, my hope is in You! Amen.”

  A nurse stepped into the room. “Excuse me, gentlemen. Visiting hours are over. Mr. Jobe needs his rest. You may come back tomorrow.”

  The three men exited without another word.

 

  Chapter 6

  Job 16:1-2 Job answered, “I have heard many such things; Sorry comforters are you all.

 

  The following day the three men returned to the hospital to visit Jobe. With them was a young man who was in theological training under Father O'Malley. Brother Eli was at the top of his seminary class. They agreed to allow him to sit in their visitations, because they felt he could learn a lot from watching them deal with Jobe.

  All three of the clergymen were upset with Jobe's unwillingness to admit to whatever sin he had committed to bring about God's wrath. While they felt sorry for his loss and physical pain, they agreed he had obviously been mixed up in something very bad for their good and loving Lord to punish him to this extent.

  They entered the hospital ICU room and greeted Jobe.

  He wasn't excited to see them. “Did you return to bring more misery on me?”

  Father O'Malley replied, “We have been up here every day praying for you. You trivialize religion and act as if we have never dealt with those who are hurting. You're not the first person to ever suffer pain. Wise men agree with us that you must have done something to bring this on yourself. Somewhere along the way, you decided to go against God and now you have to answer for it. You were the picture of good health and now God has laid you down because of your sin.”

  Jobe answered, “I've had all I can take! You are the worst group of comforters ever. What makes you go on attacking me like this? If our roles were reversed I could attack you...but I wouldn't! I would try to encourage you and make you feel better. It doesn't matter though. God Himself has attacked me. I was following Him and being obedient to His Word. Nevertheless, He sucker-punched me.”

  Pastor Taylor exclaimed, “This is getting ridiculous! Do you think we're stupid? We have many years of teaching at the top schools of divinity and have multiple degrees in theological studies. We have seen it all. Do you think the Lord will change how He acts just for you? It seems like you want Him to change everything, so you can have it your way. Here's what happens in the real world Jobe: the light of evil gets blown out. You might avoid it for a little while, but God knows your heart.”

  Jobe answered, “How long are you going to keep blaming me for this? No, I'm not perfect, but I always have done my best to obey God. Now no one wants to see me. My own wife won't visit me. Are you waiting for me to say this is my fault? That will never happen, because it's not the truth!”

  Bishop Miller exploded, “You're driving me crazy, Jobe! You don't even understand the basics of God. Ever since Adam and Eve, He has punished sin and rewarded obedience. Godless fun is short-lived and the good times don't last long. When you do things like exploit the poor and engage in immoral living, God gives you a taste of His anger. That's how God has always worked and how He works today. He'll embarrass you in front of everyone if you deserve it.”

  Jobe replied, “Please listen to what I'm saying. Don't think about how to respond, just listen for a minute. You can mock me later. I'm not arguing with you. My questions are for God. I'm tired of His silence. Look at what He's done to me! Why do the wicked prosper, have good homes and healthy families? I know guys who are drug dealers, murderers, and adulterers. God hasn't done anything to punish them. Why isn’t He condemning them instead of me? I'm doing my best to follow Him and He's sending me to the grave. Your words are worthless and your theology is no comfort to me.”

  The three men were enraged at Jobe's denial of guilt and his attitude toward them. They stormed out of his room.

 

  Chapter 7

  Job 27:5-6 “Far be it from me that I should declare you right; Till I die I will not put away my integrity from me.

  I hold fast my righteousness and will not let it go. My heart does not reproach any of my days.”

  After a few days of discussing how they might coax Jobe into admitting his hidden sins, the religious leaders met again at Mount Sinai Hospital to confront Jobe.

  His nurse met them outside his hospital room. “Mr. Jobe is still in immense pain. He's not healing and is actually getting worse. He is getting even more distraught emotionally, as well. We will allow you to visit with him, but if he gets too upset you will have to leave.”

  All four men entered Jobe's room.

  Bishop Miller said, “It's good to see you. We've been praying for you, Jobe. God can still heal you.”

  Jobe muttered, “God has abandoned me.”

  Father O'Malley said, “Jobe, I think we can agree that God is sovereign and that all of the universe works according to how He made it. He is all-powerful and has an army of angels. He can even see the flaws in the moon and stars. How can you say there is no reason for Him punishing you by taking your health, wealth and family?”

  This upset Jobe greatly! “You certainly came here today to comfort a helpless man haven’t you! I can't imagine a worse group to visit the sick. You love to listen to yourselves talk. God has ruined my life! As long as He gives me breath, I will tell the truth and never admit to sins that I have not committed. Oh, how I long for the days when He blessed me. My name was something to be proud of becaus
e of Him. I was totally happy with my beautiful wife and wonderful children. I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at other women. I was known for building up others. I took care of so many people in their time of need. I thought I would live a long, happy life because I was thankful for what God had given me. I never took it for granted and I always thanked Him. People longed for my advice and respected me. Not anymore! I'm the punchline on late night TV shows. The gossip magazines make me out to be a villain or a buffoon. I lay here in agonizing pain and no one pleads my case for me. I shout to the Lord for help and what do I get? Nothing. He raised me up to just knock me down. I did nothing to deserve this! If I did, I would say so. If only I could have an audience with God I could defend myself.”

  The three older clergymen looked at one another and just shook their heads. They were at a loss of what to say to get Jobe to admit his guilt. Brother Eli, the young theologian lost his composure.

  He blurted out, “How can you allow this evil man to confound your great learning? I thought you were the greatest minds in this land! I am young, but allow me to share what the God of the universe has taught me in such a short time!”

  Jobe sarcastically said, “Great.”

  Young Brother Eli continued, “Jobe, you said you have no hidden sins. That your conscience is clear and God is picking on you. I heard you say it many times. And you're dead wrong! How dare you desire to haul Him into court and then complain that He won't answer you? God always answers. Sometimes through dreams or visions. Sometimes through dealing out pain and loss. You want God to explain why you’re being punished. You already know. You just won't tell us. We all know God punishes evil and rewards good. You deserve everything you're getting. God has taught me truth first-hand, so listen to me and I'll teach you wisdom. God doesn't bully good people, but He rains down terror on evil people. Jobe, can't you see how God is using this bad situation to bring you back to Him? All you have to do is admit what you've done.”