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“Overcoming Tragedy: Two Men Named J..."

John was born and raised within a very large family in England. His father was a small town preacher so John experienced poverty first hand. His mother home schooled all the children with discipline as rigorous as the best schools in the area. John was raised in a strict environment. As a young boy, he was rescued from a burning second story window moments before the roof caved in. John would refer to this incident repeatedly as testimony he was delivered by the hand of God for a unique mission.

Soon after graduating from seminary, John felt the call to become a chaplain and missionary across the sea in a newly developed colony which included prisoners and a local tribe of Indians. John, fresh out of the disciplined life of school was not prepared for the harsh life of living deep in the country. Often, John wore his formal attire even when working in the woods. His insistence on holding worship services as if he were in London seemed odd. The Indians and everyone else mostly laughed at him.

On top of all this, John also fell in love but couldn’t seem to make up his mind whether to marry her. He should have but he didn’t. Tired of waiting, she gave up on him and married someone else. Furious, John later refused to serve communion to the couple. This unfortunate incident turned out to be the last straw for everyone because soon, John was back on a ship headed toward England.

On the journey home there was a ferocious storm. The ship was tossed erratically amidst the monstrous waves. John, feeling depressed because of his failed mission was also heartbroken, seasick and scared out of his wits. Yet, it was at this point John’s life was about to turn around.

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In another time and place, Job was also caught up in a severe storm. Job was a prosperous farmer living in the land of Uz. He is described by God as “the finest man in all the earth – a man of complete integrity.” (Job 1:8) But Job through no fault of his own loses his possessions, his family and even his health until he is left desolate and alone, sitting on an ash heap scrapping his itching, boil covered skin with a broken piece of pottery. Oh yeah, sitting with him are three friends: Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar.

Job cries out to God proclaiming his innocence while his so-called friends begin to offer possible explanations: “Maybe, you did something wrong? Could it be your children’s fault? Somebody must have done something wrong! You are simply being disciplined. Don’t be angry with God, it’s your fault! Shut up; you have no right to complain.” Whoa! With friends like these three guys, who needs friends?

Don’t become smug because Job’s friends represent our own well-meaning response when people around us find themselves caught up in a vicious storm. Instead of compassion, you offer cheap explanations. Instead of help, I offer unwanted criticism. Instead of empathy we offer slanderous gossip. Meanwhile, Job confused and even angry at times continues crying out to almighty God!

“If only I had someone who would listen to me and try to see my side!” says Job. “Look, I will sign my name to my defense. Let the almighty show me that I am wrong… I would face the accusation proudly.” (31:35-36) In other words… where is God when caught in a storm? Good question!

Two men, who share no common bonds except a name beginning with the letter J; now share familiar calamities. Both are enveloped in vicious squalls, looking for answers and ultimately looking for any sign of hope from the God they love and serve. In the midst of yet another storm, God appears:

“Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind. Brace yourself because I have questions for you… Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Who defined the boundaries of the sea? Have you ever commanded the morning to appear? Where does the light come from? Can you hold back the movements of the stars?” (Parts of Job 38) Instead of answering Job’s questions, God asks a few penetrating questions of his own. How can this possibly help Job or John deal with tragedy?

Yet in the midst of the conversation, Job seems to comprehend who God really is. Job says, “I know that you can do anything… and I was talking about things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me… I take back everything I said.” (42:2-3) What did Job understand? How will this help John?

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Last modified May 23, 2005.

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