My study of the wisdom literature books has come to an end and though I will have a few more devos here and there from Proverbs-Ecclesiastes, right now I have begun an in-depth examination of Job. God willing, it will last me through the summer. I’m excited to dig into this amazing book about one man’s suffering and his refusal to abandon God in the midst of it.
In the beginning of the text, there’s a famous moment when the Devil essentially challenges God by saying Job only serves Him because of all the blessings God has given him. In other words, Satan argues that God has given Job plenty of good reasons to be faithful, but would he still be faithful if he had no good reason (on earth)? Would he fear God if he didn’t have anything nice? Satan poses that idea as a rhetorical question: “Does he fear God for nothing?” (Job 1:9). The intended implication is: “No, Job doesn’t fear God for nothing; he has a big family, lots of land, cattle, wealth, a great reputation, etc. Job has 101 good reasons to keep fearing God!”
The Devil goes on to say that God has also prevented Satan from harming Job, putting a wall around him so that no harm can come to him. Basically, Satan accuses God of bribing Job with goodies and blessings, and of keeping Satan from hurting Job, which prevents Job from having a “good” reason to abandon God.
Oh, what a God we serve if the only attack Satan can level against Him is: “You bless your faithful children too much and you won’t let me hurt them!”
In response, the Lord loosens Satan’s leash and permits him to bring harm to Job. It’s worth remembering that God brought up Job because the Lord knew Job was faithful. Unlike Satan, God knows the future. He knows when we will fall and He knows when we will rise to the occasion and persevere. God knew Job would endure, so His inviting/allowing Satan to bring harm to him was not a “bet” between rivals, as it is sometimes portrayed. It was, as always, the Lord putting the Devil in his place and proving him to be an ultimate failure.
God had confidence in Job. He called him “My servant Job.” Could He say the same of you? God has given you plenty of blessings. Have you given God plenty of reasons for him to say “My servant_____ (you)”?
~Matthew