IS YOUR GOD TOO SMALL?
Enlarging our vision in the face of life’s struggles
By David C. Potter
BRF. 155 pages. £ 8.99
ISBN 978 0 857 466 334
Is there anyone who hasn’t known suffering? Who hasn’t asked, like Job, ‘where is God in this?’
David Potter, retired pastor and founder of Prospects, the charity that cares for people with learning disabilities, studies the book of Job to ‘enlarge our view of God and his goodness in difficult times’, making it a teaching book with learning topics listed beneath chapter headings, and ‘how to’ instructions on page six. It’s excellent material for house groups.
Exceptionally good man
Not much is known about Job, except that he was a prosperous businessman and eminent civic leader, who excelled in charitable works and, according to God himself, was ‘an exceptionally good man’. He says as much to Satan, who responds by accusing Job of acting out of self-interest. God responds by allowing Satan to ruin Job in every sense, to prove that Job cherishes him for himself, not merely his blessings. Perhaps Job would have felt the unfairness even more deeply, suggests the author, had he known. Readers may feel that, on the other hand, Job may have felt strengthened in knowing that God could trust him.
Prompting discussion
Job’s was a wisdom-based society where there were regular council meetings, suggesting democracy, and with moral values where the elderly were revered (Job 29.12, 12.12, 32.4). Yet Job’s friends’ monologues reflect post-truth relativism rather than wisdom, looking for facts to fit their theory of cause and effect, i.e. that Job was suffering because of hidden sin. A question David Potter asks is: ‘Should Job have made more effort to show his appreciation for the fact that his friends were … trying to help him?’ The author’s reflections and questions prompt discussion throughout.
‘The loss Job felt most keenly … was the companionship of God.’ He longs to see him, to hear from him. Then he has a lightening flash of revelation, in which he sees God as his Redeemer. (Job 19.23-17). In that moment, Potter writes, he ‘knows that he has a future … he will see God.’ Eventually God speaks, revealing his immeasurable vastness by taking Job on a virtual tour of creation. ‘Now I see him,’ says Job (Job 42.5). ‘For Job, to find peace he had to see the wisdom and power of God,’ writes Potter, ‘and by that route he found the grace to trust his covenant-keeping God.’
The book is packed with references, both biblical and literary. It’s a pleasing read, though not everyone will agree with everything the author posits. Nevertheless, it will make you think.
