THE STORY OF JOB

THE STORY OF JOB:

EXPERIENCING THE GOOD AND BAD IN LIFE

CHARACTERS

NARRATOR

JOB

GOD

THE ADVERSARY

THE MESSENGER

JOB’S FRIENDS

ELIPHAZ

BILDAD OF SHUAH

ZOPHAR OF NAAMATH

Job enters and kneels to pray. The Narrator comes on and begins to speak.

Narrator: Job was a very good man who loved God and did everything right. He had seven sons and three daughters, several thousand sheep and cattle, and many servants. Basically, he was a very rich guy. On top of that he was nice and very religious. He always prayed to God to forgive him for anything he might have done wrong, and for anything he might have accidentally done wrong. In fact, he prayed for God’s forgiveness of anything his children might have intentionally or unintentionally done wrong. Job spent a lot of time in prayer.

Job finishes praying and stands up.

Job: I have a great life, a great wife, great kids, great sheep, great cows, and lots of stuff. Things just couldn’t be better.

God enters from the side and sees Job.

Narrator: God was hanging out in heaven checking things out on earth and caught sight of Job.

God: Job is such a good guy! He’s so honest. I’m glad things are going good for him.

The Adversary enters and stands next to God looking at Job.

Narrator: Just then the Adversary showed up.

The Adversary: Well, of course Job’s a good guy, God. He’s got everything.

Job: I have a great life, a great wife, great kids, great sheep, great cows, and lots of stuff. Things just couldn’t be better.

The Adversary: Oh yeah, well, I’d be a good guy too if I had all the great stuff Job has. It’s pretty easy to be honest and nice and good when everything’s goin’ great. I bet that if he lost everything he’d be angry and blame you.

God: I don’t think so.

The Adversary: I betcha he would.

God and the Adversary exit arguing about Job. The Messenger comes in and bows before Job.

Narrator: Shortly thereafter, a messenger came to Job.

Messenger: Master, I’ve got bad news. A horrible thing has happened and all your cows and sheep are dead.

Job: Oh well, at least my family is OK.

Messenger: I’m not done. All your children were having dinner together when a horrible storm came up and the roof collapsed and killed them and their families.

Job: Even if I lose everything, naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return. But I still bless the name of God.

God and The Adversary return.

God: I told you! All this horrible stuff has happened to him and he’s still a good and honest man…

The Adversary: He’s probably just in shock. But maybe you’re right. Although, I bet if his own body was sick, he’d curse you…

God and the Adversary exit arguing.

Narrator: Unfortunately, Job’s body did become sick. He developed malignant ulcers from the soles of his feet to the top of his head, and ended up sitting out by the city gate at the ash pit, scraping his sores.

Job sits in the center of the stage scratching.

Job: Well, I guess it’s like that bumper sticker says, “Stuff Happens”.

Narrator: Job’s three closest friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar heard of all the horrible things that had happened to Job and so they came to comfort him.

Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar enter and react as the Narrator speaks. God enters to the side and listens to the conversation.

Narrator: Looking at Job from a distance, his friends could hardly recognize him. They wept aloud and tore their garments and threw dust over their heads. They sat there on the ground beside him for seven days and seven nights. Finally, Job spoke.

Job: Why was I even born? It would have been better if my mother had never given me birth; better if I had died as a child. My only food is sighs, and my groans pour out like water. Whatever I fear most comes true. For me, there is no calm, no peace; my torments banish rest.

Eliphaz: Hey, where’s your patience, Job? When things were going good, you used to tell us that everything worked out for the best. When bad things happened in my life, you told me to have faith. Where’s your faith now?

Job: Look, this sucks. Don’t tell me to have faith. I just want to die.

Bildad: I believe that God rewards good people and punishes bad people. Your kids are dead, probably because God thinks you did something wrong. And since you’re such a good guy, this must all be a big mistake. Why don’t you ask God?

Job: You’re right. I should ask God, because I really haven’t done anything wrong. My way of life is faultless, and in God’s eyes, I should really be free from blame.

Zophar: Well, Job, you say your way of life is faultless, and in God’s eyes, you should be free from blame. But I think there must be something you’re not telling us. God doesn’t make mistakes. Bad people get punished and good people get rewarded. You must have done something to deserve this!

Job: (sarcastically) Doubtless, you are the voice of the people, and when you die, wisdom with die with you. How often I have heard all this before. Thanks for the words of comfort.

Bildad: Go ahead, be mad at us, but it won’t change the fact that you must have done something wrong!

Job: I have every right to be upset and angry. This isn’t fair. I used my wealth to help people. I raised my children right with fairness and love. I loved God and was very faithful. Bad things do happen to good people. May God forgive you for being so cruel and judgmental.

God walks over and stands behind Job. God turns to Job’s friends and speaks.

God: I’ve been listening to your drivel. You don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m angry with you for pretending that you know what I think or do. You’re wrong and Job is right. But because Job has prayed for you, I will forgive you.

Job’s friends back off stage, obviously shaken. God turns and picks Job up off the floor and puts an arm around him.

God: Job, there are so many things you humans don’t understand. The world is so complex. You weren’t here when I laid the earth’s foundation, or scooped out the seas, or fixed the sky overhead. I made everything and set it into motion. Everything’s different from everything else, and life is full of free will. I know it doesn’t make sense to you, but trust me, it does. You’re right, good things do happen to bad people, and bad things happen to good people. The sun shines on the just and the unjust. But I am always here with you.

Job: I know that you are the most powerful. Before this, I only knew you through what others said about you. Now I see you with my own eyes and feel you with me. I’m sorry I doubted you and lost my faith.

God and Job exit together.

Narrator: Job began to rebuild his life with God’s help. The story tells us that eventually he had more than before and lived a full and long life.

THE END

Deepening Faith: Youth Ministry Resources and Some Miscellaneous Advice

Rev. Lizann Bassham, Front Porch Spirit Press