THE QUESTION OF SUFFERING IN THE BOOK OF JOB

                                           

The book of Job raises in its text relevant theological and philosophical questions about God and man. There is a reflection on the divine character and its justice before the human suffering, in its narrative. With respect to man, Job himself raises the great philosophical question: "What is man ...?" And discusses the meaning of existence by saying: "... my days have no meaning." (7:16, 17) . However, the central issue that this book of the wisdom literature of the Hebrews raises is the suffering of the righteous.

The biblical thesis on the origin of suffering in humanity lies in the concept of the Fall. Man, when he separated himself from God, was subject to suffering, for he was cut off from the fountain which bore him life. He was not created for the autonomous life, but to live in the presence of his Creator. Therefore, after separation, his body changed and was subject to death. His soul began to experience new feelings like anguish, pain, fear and despair. And his spirit lost the sense of existence.

In this way, suffering comes to man simply because he is in the world. It also comes as a consequence of sins that he commits stimulated by his own sinful nature. It also comes from the mistaken decisions he makes and the temptations put forth by his adversary: Satan. He can not touch the human being unless God allows it. But he can try. Once falling into temptation, pain and difficulties come to man.

But the suffering can come even on the righteous and pious, whose lives are used by God in the struggles of the establishment of his Kingdom. Notice that it was the Lord Himself who began the situation lived by Job. It was in these words that He said to Satan, that it began: "Have you considered my servant Job?" (1: 8). Peter, in his first address, talking about the death of Jesus said: "...God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer" (Acts 3:18).

Like Job, sometimes we do not understand why we suffer, for we live in godliness. But suffering is a product of the Fall. However it will be through suffering that the humanity wil be saved. Look at what God told Ananias about Paul: "...this man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings, and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name. " (Acts 9:15, 16). Years later, this Apostle wrote to the Philippians: "For to you was given the privilege of not only believing in Christ, but also of suffering for Him ..." (1.29). Christ suffered on the cross to save us.

Antônio Maia – M.Div.

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