The Job Challenge
I am currently reading the book of Job in the Tampa Bay area. I encourage you to read with me in your corner of the world too.
Whenever a new year rolls around, we see new devotional books come out. Some have been written by friends of mine and I am very proud of them. Occasionally the author will share a gem from the Bible, that quite frankly, I never would have found on my own. Still, my favorite devotional book is still the Bible itself. To me, nothing can replace the actual Bible, and as we study the Bible on our own, God Himself reveals those precious gems. Of course, my friends who write devotional books are not trying to replace the Bible. They encourage the readers to read the Bible.
Same with the Sabbath School quarterly authors. Our Sabbath School lesson quarterlies are well prepared and written. Like devotional books though, the purpose of the Sabbath School quarterlies is to get us to study the Bible. Last year, when our Sabbath School lesson was on the book of Matthew, Maurice Ashton challenged us all to read the book of Matthew. That challenge was well received by many of you. Since the current lesson is on the book of Job, I would like to encourage everyone to read the book of Job for themselves this quarter. Those 42 chapters cover everything from the conflict between good and evil, and the gospel, and good news of a Redeemer. We find practical doctrinal teachings about death and the hope of a resurrection, as well as practical examples of how to help those who are suffering, and yes, how not to help those who are suffering.
Now if you are not an avid reader, 42 chapters may seem like a lot. If you just break it down to only 3 chapters a day, you can cover the entire book in just 2 weeks. Since the book is also divided by different people doing the talking, you break it up into sections that way as well. That way you get the complete thought that may over lap a chapter. If you don’t like reading, you may enjoy listening to someone else read. Remember, in Revelation 1 there is a blessing to those who read the book and listen to the book being read, (See Revelation 1:3). I believe that blessing goes for every book of the Bible, including Job. Maybe you can read or listen as your family reads for family worship, or you can study it with your small group. The other night in bed, I went to Job on my Youversion Bible app, and selected my favorite version and listened to several chapters before falling asleep.
This quarter I am reading the entire book of Job again, and I encourage and challenge you to do the same.
If you have already read it recently, may I suggest reading it again in a different version? I always find new gems when I try different versions. Again if you don’t like reading, I challenge you to listen to it. You will find that BibleGateway.org offers audio options for many Bible. You will also find Audio Bibles in the Android and IPhone/IPad app stores. Some can be used off-line, others require a connection.
Either way, I invite you to share on the Sabbath School Network discussions, the things God has shown you. God promises you a blessing if you do!
Besides web sites and apps, you can also listen to your Bible or other books in Audible Format. Check it out.
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Great suggestion William! Thanks to Maurice for initiating this idea. By God's grace, I am taking up the challenge just as I did with the Matthew reading!
Oooo... I love a spiritual challenge. Im up for it! Thank you and God bless. I think my Facebook and church group needs this challenge too! And thank you for the quick response on my request on the SS outline.
I will take your challenge too. I read the entire book of Job about 10 years ago, when I was trying to read the entire Bible cover to cover, along with a good Leadership Bible. I think that we should post when we have finished reading or listening to the Book of Job, back here on your post. Just for fun!! Stay Blessed everyone. PS. I look forward to meeting you all one day soon.
By God s grace, i will take up the challenge too. I will do one chapter per day so i can take notes on each chapter. Thanks and God bless.
Taking up the challenge Brother William! Thank you also for the reminder to make the Bible our central book of study! Continued blessings and thanks!
Today the pastor of the church I attended challenged his congregation to spend time each and every day in the Word. I also will take up the challenge by God's grace to listen to the book of Job each night before going to sleep. Thank you.
Audio bible. There's something I didn't think of. Thank you, I'll try that. I have trouble with my eyes going out of focus after a few minutes and they get tired easy. Will try this.
Thank you again.
Thank you very much for the suggestion William Earnhardt!
Thank you William for your challenge to read Job right through. I actually accepted Maurice Ashton's challenge too, but only got half way through Mathew in one reading and felt a failure. The 3 chapters a day is do-able for me as I have already started. I go to 'Bible on a Page' on line (when there, it has many versions available) and discovered that each chapter is written out as one page. I find it easy to read from top to bottom and turn the page at the bottom as per arrowhead for the next chapter/page. I think this time I will be able to keep going because of - as you suggested - breaking up a big challenge into little pieces.
I think I will try and get an audio bible or Godpod for my nearly blind friend, she needs to hear the Good News too, thanks for reminding.
Godbless today, Mrs A Stolz.
Thank you, I will try audio options
Definitely will take the challenge of reading the book of Job.
It was the first book in the Bible that I read through in 1980 when I first starting attending the SDA church.
Then I read the book of Job through again, in 2003 when I was suffering with Lyme disease and spending much time on the couch.
Job's story and many of the Bible verses in the book of Job, are treasured.
Thank you William!
Thank you for the audio options that you have suggested. It'll cover when I'm driving and doing chores at home. The 3 chapters a day is a good idea too. I'll suggest this to my family too. Pray for us who are struggling to learn more about Jesus. God bless you and thanks again.