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CONNIE: Have you ever felt like you were the devil's punching bag? Or maybe, even God's punching bag? That's the way Job felt, and today we take a look at his story--with a modern twist. Giving God's trumpet a Certain Sound for more than 70 years, this is the Voice of Prophecy.

CONNIE: Hello, I'm Connie Jeffery,

LONNIE: and I'm Lonnie Melashenko. Connie, today our program is different from anything we've ever produced here before. We've reached the book of Job in our progress through the Bible, and because it is such a dramatic story that deals with issues that are very much on people's minds still today, we've decided to bring the story into the modern day.

CONNIE: Our program will be formatted differently than usual, so we can give as much time as possible to what we call, The Story of Jim.

LONNIE: You'll hear the voices of some of our program regulars in this dramatization, as well as a few guest voices. So, sit back, relax, and listen, as we tell you the story of Job--but with a modern slant.

CONNIE: I'd like to tell you a story of about a man named Jim. He lived in Palm Desert, California. He had a huge house there right next to a large golf course. He mainly lived there during the winter months. Summers found him in his cliff side house in Malibu, or sometimes in his manner outside Sydney, Australia. He was a good man, and all of his money had been made in honest ways. He had nothing to do with under-handed dealings. Ha had a wife, seven sons, and three daughters. His portfolio included controlling interest in some of the fastest rising Internet enterprises and thousands of shares and stocks in two of the largest power facilities in California. He had limousines and chauffeurs in every city where his companies had offices. He had done everything he could to raise his kids right, but you know how the children of the wealthy are. His sons thought that life had been handed to them on a silver platter, and they spent a lot of their time throwing big parties for each other, and of course they invited their sisters too. Jim was concerned about them. He worried that they might be offending God. So after there parties he'd always go to church and say prayers for them, asking God to forgive them for anything they might have said or done wrong. Now while all of this was going on, God and Satan got into a conversation. God said:

GOD: You know Satan. You think you are king of the earth, and you should hold everyone in your power. But have you noticed Jim? He's blameless, totally against your unrighteous ways.

CONNIE: Satan replied.

SATAN: O sure I've noticed him, but it's obvious why he's so good. You've blessed his stock portfolio and protected his house, and his kids. You're a veritable Santa Claus to the guy. Just take all that away from him and see if he is still your friend.

CONNIE: So God said.

GOD: All right. Everything he has is in your hands. But don't you dare harm him personally.

CONNIE: A few days later Jim's sons and daughters were off in Oklahoma, partying at the oldest son's house when corporate raiders bought out several of Jim's companies and used their capitol to dissolve the debts of their own failed companies, leaving Jim with nothing but worthless stock. Than an energy crisis hit California, and Jim's stock in the power companies began to plummet as talks of bankruptcy sent Wall Street traders scurrying for cover. Jim ended up having to hand out pink slips to some of his most trusted employees. When news of his financial problems spread, a repossession company took all of his limousines at the stroke of midnight one night, and the very next day they came after his helicopters and private jets. But the worst blow came when CNN reported that an F-5 tornado had ripped through Oklahoma, smashing Jim's oldest son's house and killing all ten of his children. All along Jim had been saying:

JIM: It can't get any worse than this.

CONNIE: But now he knew it could get worse. Haggard, worn, and exhausted, and feeling dead inside, Jim ripped his Armani suit to shreds and shaved off all his hair. He stumbled out into the backyard of his Palm Desert home, looked up to the sky and fell to his knees, and finally fell flat on his face sobbing uncontrollably. When the first wave of sorrow had passed, he looked up and spoke, mainly to himself.

JIM: Yes I came into the world with nothing, and I won't leave with anything. But God is good. He gives and he takes away, but He's still good and blessed.

CONNIE: In spite of his sorrow, Jim wouldn't say anything against God. The next time Satan was allowed into God's presence, God Said...

GOD: Didn't I tell you Jim would remain faithful even though I let you wreck his life?

CONNIE: Satan responded.

SATAN: Ah! You didn't even let me touch him though. Those humans have a saying you know. "As long as you have your health." Let me touch his body with sickness, then let's see how nice he talks to you.

GOD: All right. You can do whatever you like to him, short of killing him.

CONNIE: So Satan made Jim so sick with boils all over his body. The poor guy was miserable, sitting out on a sand pile in an undeveloped area behind his house. His wife came out of the house, took one look at him, and said¼

JIM'S WIFE: You'd be better off dead. Why don't you just curse God and die?

JIM: Don't be silly. If you can take good from God can't you take bad from Him as well?

CONNIE: ¼Jim replied. Just then three of Jim's friends drove up in their golf carts. Elwyn, the pastor of Jim's church. Bruce, the head elder, and Frank the chairman of the visitation committee. They thought they would come over and cheer him up a bit, but the sight of him stole the breath right out their lungs. He was a lot worse off than they could have ever imagined. They got out of their carts, and just sat down beside him utterly speechless. They sat there in silence for a long time. When Jim finally spoke, it was to curse the day he had been born.

JIM: You know what? I wish I'd never been born. I wish my parents had never sent out birth announcements. I'd rather have been still born than the way you see me today. At least then I'd be resting quietly in my grave, even wicked people find rest in death. Tell me pastor if you can, why should people be born if it's just for suffering?

CONNIE: Elwyn, Jim's pastor, replied¼

ELWIN: Jim, O Jim what can I say? I'm almost afraid to answer. Remember Jim how you used to encourage other people who had problems? But now, now that the shoe is on the other foot all, you do is complain. Where's your faith anyhow? Listen, how can I put this gently? You've been a good man, but Jim these kinds of things just don't happen to the good. God punishes the wicked, not the righteous. If I were you, here's what I'd do. I'd get down on my knees and pray. Plead your cause with God. He's merciful. He forgives people and restores them. In a way, you know, you should actually be happy that all of these horrible things have happened to you, to call you up short and to keep you from becoming even more wicked. Repent Jim, God will restore your fortunes. I'm sure of it. Repent brother.

CONNIE: Jim responded.

JIM: Excuse me Elwyn. I think I have a right to be upset. My problems are absolutely overwhelming. God Himself has attacked me. I'm so sick I can't even enjoy my food anymore. If I could ask God for one thing, it would be to kill me. I mean, how strong does He think I am to have to endure this suffering. You know what? I would have expected something better from you pastor. You should be here to comfort me. You're about as useful as a broken drinking fountain on a golf course. A guy could die of thirst by the third hole, if he had to rely on you for support. Look! If you can point out what I've done wrong, I'll listen. But you're on my case for no reason at all. O Elwyn, what do you know about anything? I mean look at me; do you think that I'm lying to you? Do you question my integrity? I wish I could die, but I won't go out with a whimper. I've got to have answers from God. I mean, why is He punishing me like this?

CONNIE: Bruce, the church head elder, spoke up.

BRUCE: Jim. I'm going to give it to you straight, you're rambling on like a long-winded old coot. Face it, your sons and daughters were sinners. That's why God killed them. Now wake up. You need to seek God for yourself. If you do, He will forgive you for whatever He is punishing you for and bless you again.

CONNIE: Jim responded.

JIM: So that's what you think of me. Well you know what I think Bruce? I think I haven't got a snowball's chance in Wakiki. God is so much bigger than me, how can I argue with Him? I can proclaim my innocence all I want, but what good will it do? You know what? It doesn't make any difference to God. When disaster strikes, it hits the good and the bad together. I try to cheer up and just keep smiling, but things only get worse. God's so far above me. I wish there was a mediator. Someone to get Him to lay off me, so I could speak to Him. I know I haven't done anything to deserve this. I- I'm sick of it. I'm just going to let it all hang out. God! Stop tormenting me, and condemning me. Tell me why you're letting this happen to me? You're the one who made me. Is it just so you can find some fault in me, and punish me? Why did you even give me life in the first place? Why didn't you let me be still born? Life's short. Just go away and leave me alone, so I can be happy for a few minutes before I die, and go into oblivion.

CONNIE: Frank, the chairman of the visitation committee spoke up next.

FRANK: Jim, you've always been good with words, but a speech like this demands a response. You ramble on and on. Are you afraid to hear what we have to say? You think you're always right. You proclaim "I'm guiltless before God." But what if God could get a word in edgewise. He would have something to say. He's a lot wiser than you, and He hasn't punished you as badly as your sins deserve. You should be praying, not criticizing God. You should be repenting, not moaning. Do that, and things will get better.

CONNIE: Jim replied.

JIM: Well, aren't you guy's the fount of all wisdom? Listen, I'm just as good as you are. But you make me a laughing stock in spite of my innocence. I'll tell you what; it's easy to look down your nose at the unfortunate when you're riding around in a limo. There are a lot of wicked people who are doing just fine. God is in control of everything. He raises men up, and He puts them down. He could make the wise foolish. I know all of this, but what I want is a chance to talk to God, and argue my case. I wish you guys would just be quiet. Let me speak. I'll stick my head in the noose. I can't be silent even for the fear of Gods wrath. If ¼if I can just get my day I court, I know I'll be acquitted.

CONNIE: Pastor Elwyn answered.

ELWIN: You know what? If you had a nitwit's sense, you wouldn't be spouting worthless words like that. Have you no fear of God? You think you should be invited to speak directly to Him do you? Who do you think you are anyhow? Do you have half a clue of what's going on in God's heavenly counsel? What makes you so much smarter than us? We have the old, wise people on our side. Why are so bold as to vent at God? You should realize that it's impossible to be blameless before Him. If you'll be quiet long enough, and listen, I'll share the wisdom of the ages with you. It's the wicked man that's fearful like you, and who is struck down suddenly as you have been. Godless people are the ones that suffer a fate like yours Jim. Godless people, not the righteous!

CONNIE: Jim answered.

JIM: You think you're telling me something new, Pastor? And you Bruce, you Frank. You're just making things worse, not better. Look; trade places with me for 15 minutes, then see how you like it while I harangue you. I wouldn't do that to you. I'd try to cheer you up. As it is right now, it makes no difference whether I speak or keep silence, I still suffer. Then you guys come along and rub salt in my wounds. Come on you guys, try again. Speak up, and show me some wisdom this time. My life is like a fading echo.

CONNIE: Bruce, the head elder spoke next.

BRUCE: Like a fading echo are you¼Huh! You ought to be silent! Listen, we all know that it's the wicked man that suffers in darkness and dies. That's the fate of evil doers like you Jim, and those who care nothing for God.

CONNIE: Jim responded.

JIM: How long are you guys going to keep this up? This attacking me, and assaulting me? If I did wrong, it's me who's wrong, but you're gloating, telling me that I'm just getting what I deserve. Take pity on me if you're my friends. The hand of God has struck me, but you do so too. You're like a bunch of cannibals devouring my flesh, but you know what, despite all this I know I have a vindicator. In the end He'll speak for me in court. God himself will vindicate me, and I'll see Him with my own eyes. I feel depressed, suicidal. Listening to you guys tell me I brought all this on myself.

CONNIE: Frank, the chairman of the church visitation committee responded.

FRANK: I just can't sit here any longer, and listen to these stupid arguments Jim. The Holy Spirit is giving me the answers for you. Don't you realize that a wicked man prospers only briefly just like you did, and then he'll be swept away? Jim all I' saying is, if the shoe fits go ahead and wear it.

CONNIE: Jim responded.

JIM: I wish you guys would just listen to me. That would be enough comfort. You know, here's what I'd like to know. Why do wicked people have long and prosperous lives with no calamities, and they tell God to leave them alone, and He does; He let's them die in peace after a long life of wickedness. I mean, how often really, do you see the wicked get what's coming to them? How often does God give him what he deserves? You ought to ask people who have traveled a bit. They'll tell you that there are many places in the world where the wicked are spared all disaster, and are even given big honorable funerals.

CONNIE: Pastor Elwyn cut in.

ELWIN: Jim, do you really think that it's any benefit to God if you're as righteous as you say you are? Do you think He's done all this to you because you're so pious? Jim, what you need is simple. One word. Surrender. Give yourself to God, stop rebelling. If you'll repent and stop trusting in your riches, God will be your gold and your silver. Learn to really trust God, and then you'll be able to a face Him. Pray to Him, and He will bless. God brings down the pride of the haughty, but if you're really innocent He'll save you.

CONNIE: Jim answered pastor Elwyn.

JIM: I'm totally fed up with this. God's really been rough on me. I wish I knew where I could find Him so I could plead my case before Him and see what He has to say. Do you think that He would browbeat me like you guys have been doing? I don't think so. He wouldn't file any charges against me. He would vindicate me, but I have looked everywhere for Him, and can't find Him. I've been ¼well I've done everything He instructed, but He's the one who decides the fate of man. That makes me fearful of Him, but it still won't make me silent before Him.

CONNIE: Let's stop tape for a moment. You're listening to our Voice of Prophecy production of "The Story of Jim--a modern take on the story of Job.

LONNIE: We hope you're enjoying our dramatic rendition of this biblical book.

CONNIE: I think it really helps us understand the Bible better when we take the old stories and consider how they might be played out in the modern world.

LONNIE: What you're hearing today is pretty much the whole book of Job, but we had to shorten it a bit--edit a few parts out, in order to fit it into the allotted time. But the good news is that we actually produced a dramatization of the whole book--it's about 35 minutes long altogether. And we'd like you to have a copy of it.

CONNIE: We have a very special way to make that full version of the story available to you--either on cassette tape or CD. If you'll phone us or write to us and make a donation of $5.00 or more, you'll receive the full 35-minute production of "The Story of Jim."

LONNIE: But there's something more. We here at Voice of Prophecy are starting a fund to help out the people of India and El Salvador, who right now are going through Job's trials--in the wake of the terrible earthquakes that hit their countries recently.

CONNIE: So, any amount over $5 you donate when you request the CD or cassette of our dramatic production of "The Story of Jim," will go directly into a fund to help with relief efforts in India and El Salvador.

LONNIE: You can call us at 1-800-872-0055, or write to us at Voice of Prophecy, Box 53055, Los Angeles, 90053. Again: Box 53055, Los Angeles, 90053 to request your copy of "The Story of Jim--the full version of the dramatic presentation you're hearing on our program today.

CONNIE: And any amount over $5 that you donate will go to help relieve the sufferings of the earthquake victims.

LONNIE: And now back to our program:

CONNIE: The pastor and his associates finally gave up trying to talk to Jim, because they couldn't convince of him his sinfulness. Jim's young golf caddy, Eddie, had happened along about the time the other three men had arrived, and he had sat quietly, listening, hoping to glean some wisdom from the older mens speeches. By now he was getting angry. First with Jim, for claiming to be more righteous than God, but also with the three friends that hadn't been able to answer Jim, and had made God to look so bad. So Eddie, the caddy, spoke up.

EDDIE: You know, I'm just the young guy, and I didn't think I should speak up in such august company, but you know what, I've figured out age that age doesn't bring wisdom. You guys have gotten absolutely nowhere with Jim.

CONNIE: Turning to look at Jim he said.

EDDIE: Come on Jim, listen to me. I feel sure I'm right about this. God made me just like he made you, but it's you who have ended up on a bed of pain. God does things like this to men to correct them. God isn't evil. He doesn't play false. He pays people back for what they do. If He pulls the plug on us, we're all about as useful as burned out light bulbs. Think about it Jim, Is it possible that an unjust God rules the universe? No way. He sees all injustice, and punishes it accordingly. Why not repent of ranting against God, Jim? Repent of your foolishness. Stop berating God. I think I can teach you guy's a few things. God does not let the wicked prosper. He rescues those who are suffering, but He also uses suffering as a way to teach people. Don't always be expecting a comfortable life, it all to often leads people astray. God is so great. He comes with thunder and lighting, driving everyone indoors to get out of the storm. So listen to Him. Jim, you don't understand God or what He does in nature. He's beyond our understanding. He does do justice. So we need to honor Him, and look to Him.

CONNIE: Even as Eddie spoke, a storm had been brewing on the horizon, and now it broke in full force, and Jim heard God speaking out of the storm.

GOD: So Jim, you think you're pretty smart do you? Well, I've got a few questions for you. Stand up and see how well you do on my little quiz. Where were you when I created the world? How did I form it in just the right size, and put just close enough to the sun so it would support life? How about the ocean, did you watch me make it, and watch me set up the beach at Malibu? You probably have all the answers, don't you? Who creates the weather, the snow, rain, the thunderstorms, and the dew? Are you able to touch the stars in heaven? Do you tell the constellations where to go? Who are you to argue with Me?
CONNIE: Jim, answered.

JIM: O Lord God Jehovah. What can I say? I am too small to speak in your presence. I've already said enough.

CONNIE: The Lord answered from the storm.

GOD: I've got some more questions for you. How dare you question my justice, or try to make yourself out right and me wrong? Are you as strong as I am? Can you thunder like I can? Think for a moment about the power in a single atom. Now, you make think you have harnessed the power of the atom, because you have some stock in the power company. But can you hold an H-bomb in your hand, and keep it from exploding? Would you dare approach the core of a nuclear reactor? The power of these things is too awesome for you to understand. Yet I am the one who made them all.

CONNIE: Then Jim answered the Lord.

JIM: O Lord God Jehovah. I've been a fool to question You. I'd only heard of You, but now that I have encountered You face to face, I give up. I will not question Your ways ever again.

CONNIE: When the Lord had finished speaking to Jim, He had a message for Elwyn.

GOD: I'm angry with you, and your two friends. You haven't spoken right about me as Jim did. You need to repent and ask Jim to pray for you.

CONNIE: Jim's friends did as God had instructed, and Jim prayed for them. Then God began to bless Jim again, and he ended up twice as rich and blessed as he had been in the first place. His stock portfolio blossomed once again, and his wife bore him ten more children, and his three daughters were the most beautiful in the whole state of California. Jim lived long and prospered with the blessing of the Lord