“Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.” James 5:11
February 20, 2026
What was the main purpose of the story of Job’s excruciating experience of suffering? The apostle James tells us “Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. . . .you have seen the purpose of the Lord. . . .” Vance Havner captures the thought succinctly, “The main purpose of God was not to explain Job’s suffering or suffering in general. Job got through to illumination, which is better than explanation.” “Outcome” is the critical word. John Calvin had a handle on it, “afflictions ought ever to be estimated by their end.” That we might come to know God better and that does not play out ultimately until “the end” at which time when the blessings are poured out when we are in Christ’s presence. That brings us to Havner again, “Do not pine away in your adversity, seeking explanation or restoration of your former prosperity. Seek to know God and thenceforth enjoy Him forever, whatever happens to your belongings and your boils.”
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“Let us see what Job foreshadowed, now fulfilled in the sufferings, faith, life, death, resurrection, ascension, and heavenly reign of Jesus Christ. Let us expect to suffer with him if we will ultimately reign with him, for by grace we will.” Christopher Ash, Job, The Wisdom of the Cross.