Good morning,
The book of Job chronicles God’s testing of Job. We will look at two dialogs between God and Satan, their consequences, and Job’s response.
Does God tempt men? No. “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:” (James 1:13) However, as we will see, God does allow Satan the ability to test believers.
God’s dialog with Satan (Job 1:6-12)
“ Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them.7 And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.8 And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?9 Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.11 But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.12 And theLord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord.”
God initiates the conversation (Job 1:7)
God speaks highly of Job (Job 1:8)
Satan’s response (Job 1:9-11)
God allows Satan to touch all that Job has. Puts limits on Satan (Job 1:12)
Job loses everything (READ Job 1:13-19)
God moves in strange and mysterious ways. Why would He allow this to happen to Job?
Clearly, God wanted Satan to see the character of Job.
Tomorrow, we will see Job’s response to losing everything. Was God’s confidence in Job’s character warranted? Would he curse God?
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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