The Misery of Job and the Mercy of God

Rating:
Summary: Profound poetry, picturesque photography, and a CD as well!
Review: After reading the review of this book, I was at first disappointed that this was a poem, not a discussion on Job. However, when I received it, my first reaction was how amazing the photography was. It is an absolutely beautiful book to admire from an artistic perspective.

To my surprise, the book came with a CD featuring the author reading the poem the way he meant it to be read. I have listened to it again and again. This is a very nice addition to the book.

As to the content, the four poems contained within this book build upon each other. From the loss of all that Job had, his conversation with his wife, his dialogues with his "friends," and finally, a retrospective look at all that happened to him (by way of a conversation with his first daughter after the crisis, Jemimah), Piper ends each poem with an exhortation to a Christian in suffering, causing the reader to focus on the grander scheme of God's plan for us.

He does take artistic liberty with the repentance of his wife (not recorded in Job, but implied in the closing chapter) and the conversation with Jemimah, but I see nothing wrong with doing so. The message of Job is not compromised, and it is very conceivable that such conversations took place.

So far, this book has found very practical use in the lives of several of my closest friends, and we have wept while reading the closing poem of this book. The main thrust of the book is that God unkindly permits suffering in order that He might kindly show us more of His glory, and His glory is not an abstract concept but the beauty of His manifold perfections. O Christian, there is much comfort in our sovereign God!

What we have lost, God will restore;
That, and Himself, forevermore.
It won't be long before the rod
Becomes the tender kiss of God.

Rating:
Summary: God's Sovereignty
Review: I have deeply enjoyed this poem like all of the books that I have read thus far from John Piper. I have heard many people talk about Job and his misery, but Piper has not only wrote about Job's misery but about the mercy and Sovereignty of God. The Sovereignty aspect is often left out of the picture when people talk about Job. This poem, especially the last pages, demonstrates that God has, is, and always will be in control of every thought and action. I would reccomend this to anyone but especially to the one going through difficulties, not in order to get his mind off of his problems and onto Job's, but rather to get his mind off of his problems and onto to God's Sovereignty.

Rating:
Summary: "Poor Job has been given a bum rap!"
Review: I was introduced to this book by a friend who is losing sight due to diabetes and a botched retina surgery. Questioning God, this dear person found a book about the life and times of Job. A literature major, she could hardly wait to share it with someone. This book and accompanying CD is read by the author. What a unique and inspiring treat was in store for me!

I was impressed with the fresh and original way Piper presented this book. The poetry was magical! His award winning photographer, Ric Ergenbright, offered exquisite visuals that were perfectly suited to the poetry.

I never would have believed that I could ENJOY reading about the life of Job until I read (and heard) Piper's rendition.
Of course, he has taken poetic license with the text.
However, it absolutely is one one of the best, most thought provoking texts I have come across in a while. I have even persuaded my small discussion group to go through it with me and they are loving it too!

It takes little imagination to consider that Piper may have had some "unusual" insights into the life and meaning of the man Job.

My comment after first hearing and reading it was, "Job has been given a bum rap!"

May I suggest that you read and discuss it with someone else. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Rating:
Summary: Even Better Than Expected
Review: Job is a hard biblical book to get a handle on. About the time you "get it" another layer of mystery and majesty comes to light. The accomplishment of this brief book is to do full justice to the complexity of the book of Job and at the same time lead the reader to see and delight in the mystery of God and the majesty of God. My copy came with CD in which the author reads his work aloud. Listening to this thoughtful and passionate delivery made my heart yearn for God--and almost even long for Job's "experience" of God.

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful book
Review: This book is a wonderful account of the Job story that puts it the storty in great poetic narrative. A very beautiful book with artwork and text that will leave you captured and emotionally filled. The very meaning of the story of Job of faith in God in the midst of storm and suffering is captured and passed on through this touching book. I would recommend it for anyone who loves art and wants to experince the beauty of God even in the midst of pain and suffering. Wonderful material!

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful book
Review: This book is a wonderful account of the Job story that puts it the storty in great poetic narrative. A very beautiful book with artwork and text that will leave you captured and emotionally filled. The very meaning of the story of Job of faith in God in the midst of storm and suffering is captured and passed on through this touching book. I would recommend it for anyone who loves art and wants to experince the beauty of God even in the midst of pain and suffering. Wonderful material!

Rating:
Summary: A Retelling of the Story of Job with Stunning Photography
Review: This is a wonderful interpretive poem by a wonderful author - John Piper. As I read I can tell that Piper has poured his heart into this retelling of Job's story. This work will cajole and move your spirit and emotions. All of us have suffered in one way or the other and we can always find comfort, sympathy, and empathy in Job's account of his own suffering.

Piper has helped to bring Job's story to life by presenting it from a different angle (if you will). This work does not alter the truth of the events from the Book of Job, it simply animates the story. Piper is careful to ensure that God receives the glory in his own poem of Job's suffering. Of course this is a reassuring fact that if and when we suffer we can all be sure that God is still in control and that His sovereign goodness does indeed sustain us!

This work is accompanied by some of the most beautiful and stunning photography that I have seen. There are photographs of landscapes, people, animals, oceans, the sky, etc. This only adds to the depth and weight of the poem by Piper. This book would make a wonderful gift for anyone at anytime, but especially for those who are perhaps grieving or suffering in some fashion. I highly recommend it!

Rating:
Summary: Not What I expected
Review: When I preordered this book, I thought I was going to get a deep, insightful study guide for one of my my favorite Bible books. I'd heard people speak so highly of Piper and was anticipating being uplifted and edified. It is a poem. I was very disappointed. I'm sure it others will find it it to be a wonderful book, but it wasn't what I was exptecting.