# The Voice of Job explained — Unspoken Sermons

> Chapter companion for Unspoken Sermons by George MacDonald.

## What happens

This chapter explores the story of Job as a profound expression of the human cry for justice and the divine response of a loving Father. It argues that God's nature is absolute love and self-devotion, and that the incarnation of Jesus Christ is the ultimate demonstration of this. The chapter encourages believers to boldly plead their case before God, trusting in His righteousness and the transformative power of submission to His will.

## Themes in this chapter

### God as Loving Father

God's nature is defined as absolute love and self-devotion, compelling Him to act for His children's salvation, as seen in the incarnation of Christ.

### Faith and Obedience

True faith involves boldly asserting one's claims before God while submitting to His will, leading to transformation and ultimate joy.

### The Individual Relationship with God

Each person is encouraged to plead their cause directly with God, who hears with fairness and draws near to those who seek Him.

## Character check-ins

### Job

Job is presented as a figure who, despite suffering and feeling abandoned, dares to plead his cause with God, embodying a faith that clings to righteousness.

### Jesus Christ

Jesus is the heart of God's answer to human need, revealing the Father's nature as absolute love and the way to true freedom through obedience.

### God the Father

God is portrayed as a loving Father who is bound by His own nature to seek and save His children, responding to their cries with perfect righteousness.

## Key lines

> Oh that thou wouldest hide me in the grave!

Job cries out for God to conceal him in death, hoping that absence will stir God's longing to restore him.

_This plea reflects Job's struggle with suffering and his hope in God's eventual remembrance._

> Lo, I come to do thy will, O God!

The perfect Son declares his readiness to fulfill the Father's purpose, setting the example for all children of God.

_This phrase contrasts Job's imperfect plea with Christ's perfect obedience._

> Thou shalt call and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands.

Job trusts that God will eventually yearn for him and respond, restoring their relationship.

_This expresses the confidence that God's love will overcome apparent abandonment._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/unspoken_sermons_se/chapters/the-voice-of-job
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/unspoken_sermons_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/unspoken_sermons_se/chapters