This is a Senseless Struggle (Job 23-24)

Job is frustrated that the counselors will not see things the way that Job sees things. Job is frustrated that God will not see things the way that Job sees them.  Job thinks that if God, the counselors, and wisdom would follow his lead than all would be well.  If we are honest there are times when we might have this struggle or thought as well, but is it in line with the Word of God?  What could be the issue in such thinking?

God Needs to Listen! (Job 13:6-14:22)

Job has tried to reason with the men who have come to encourage him.  However, in Job’s mind he is not gaining any traction.  The counselors are still convinced that Job has unconfessed sin or a specific sin that warrants God’s punishment.  The irony is that Job and the counselors are not in complete disagreement, but Job has been trying to tell the counselors that there is something wrong with the world as they know it.  What is Job going to say to the Lord? What is the basis of Job’s trial?

Beginning and Ending in Wisdom (Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:7)

The preacher is wrapping up his sermon on Solomonic wisdom.  The preacher is honest that we go through life and we experience the trials under the sun.  The preacher makes no mystery of the reality that we will experience many trials under the sun.  So, if we do suffer and experience pain under the sun then why do we continue to press forward? 

Wisdom’s Vexation and Value (Ecclesiastes 11:1-6)

If you read the book of Ecclesiastes you might be tempted not to do anything in this world.  The reason that we might be tempted not to do anything is because you will probably lose or experience frustration so why press forward?   Or we might think that we work hard and then we die so what is the point?  However, the preacher wants us to see that there is a value and there is something that is worthwhile in our working.  So, why press forward in life?  Why manage our money?  Why do anything under the sun if this world is in a curse?