Product Description

Anyone who has suffered knows that there is no such thing as "getting a grip on oneself" or "pulling oneself up by the bootstraps. The only bootstrap in the Christian life is the Cross," says Mason. "Sometimes laying hold of the cross can be comforting, but other times it is like picking up a snake."

Job knew this firsthand. From him we learn that there are no easy answers to suffering. That the mark of true faith is not happiness, but rather, having one's deepest passions be engaged by the enormity of God. And through Job we learn the secret of the gospel: that "mercy is the permission to be human." The Lord never gave Job an explanation for all he had been through. His only answer was Himself. But as Job discovered, that was enough.

The Gospel According to Job sensitively brings the reader to this realization, using a devotional commentary format that reminds them that it's all right to doubt, to be confused, to wonder--in short, to be completely human. But what will heal us and help us endure is a direct, transforming encounter with the living God.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #220985 in Books
• Published on: 1994
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 448 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781581344493
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Customer Reviews

BEST EASILY ACCESSIBLE BOOK ON JOB TODAY
Here is a modern 'classic' about the Bible's oldest book, the Book of Job. Job is a 'true classic' in that everybody can relate to the narrative of Job. Mason does an EXCELLENT job of [and according to his forward, he's learned from personal experience] devotionally and practically opening up the eternal issues of doubt, suffering, faith and the human experience. Although it is not meant to be a scholarly commentary, Mason does better than most 'scholarly' commentators with the questions and answers we find in the Biblical narrative of Job. Everybody shares the things Job went through, the important thing is to see that Job [as Mason brings out extremely well] was moved TOWARD God, not away from God in Job's trials and sufferings. As Mason says people reject Jesus but no one rejects Job. And as Job found out you can't reject the Redeemer! Mason's 'Gospel According to Job' is VERY worthwhile reading for pastors, Bible students and any believer seeking a deeper walk with the Lord. With so much PLASTIC Christianity out there, it is great to find some depth. Recommended highly for anyone who faces LIFE. Another largely unknown excellent work on Job is 'Portraits of Perseverance' by Henry Gariepy [Victor Books, 1989]--I don't know if you can find it anywhere but Gariepy [a Salvation Army pastor] does an excellent job of commenting on the Book of Job in short devotional statements, showing Job as a man [like all of us] moved TOWARD God through pain, suffering and trials.

Mike Mason's Job is most profound
I have read and pondered the Book of Job many times in my life. But Mike Mason's book goes to the top of my all time list. It is a devotional but so much more. Mason has obviously rubbed shoulders with Joblike suffering, and he has not lost faith. Rather, his faith had been deepened. He has brought a scholarly and devotional blend to his writing. I have been deeply affected and recommend this book to everyone, seeker and believer alike.

Perhaps the most profound practical commentary on Christian living ever written...
My uncle in recommending this book said, 'If I were stranded on a deserted island and could have with me only two books--one, of course, would be the Bible, the other would be The Gospel According to Job.' My personal choices, though, would be (one) the Bible and (two) a comprehensive survival guide with detailed instructions on how to build a boat. However, if I were given a third choice, I would undoubtedly have with me The Gospel According to Job. It's the most profound commentary on Christian living I've ever read. I've handed out dozens to friends and family.

All the chapters are two pages in length and are perfect in size for devotional reading. The Gospel According to Job, in truth, is so rich and deep with insight, I find it best to chew on small pieces of its wisdom at a time. It is--in its own right--a practical and spiritual guide for life, and has built me up in ways no other book has. Please read it.