JOB: LESSONS IN COMFORT

As a topic for preaching or church life, Job needs to be read with sensitivity to the flow of life’s experiences, which are often not pleasant. Vulnerability is an asset to the interpreter, not only as a source of sympathy for Job in his suffering, but also to give understanding as to why the efforts of “comforters” can be inappropriate. Job: Lessons in Comfort is built on a base of this personal experience. Job: Lessons in Comfort does what most technical commentaries do not do. It relates the book directly to the suffering and faith of real people. As a preacher, I wrestle with, “How do I find the application of this passage for our congregation?” Frankie Bennett’s study gives clear and appropriate applications for the preacher. But its potential usefulness extends well beyond preachers. A teacher of a women’s group, for example, will find more than sufficient material for weekly lessons. This study guide will be most helpful for leaders (or individuals) who wish to work devotionally through Job’s experience. The various themes are well-supported with comment and extensive cross references. In my reading of the manuscript, I found it to be consistent with the Reformed faith. Attention has been given, so it seems to me, to accuracy and good choice in the use of style and form.

Frankie has written an indepth, heartfelt study on the much neglected book of Job. She approaches it with an easy conversational style. Page after page Frankie points us to The Comforter as we see that our suffering is not in vain, but for His glory. Thank you Frankie for such a well written and comprehensive study.