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.
Job’s response to losing everything (Job 1:13-19, 20-22)
Job loses everything
“And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house:14 And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them:15 And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.16 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.17 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.18 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house:19 And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.”
Job’s response
“Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.22 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.”
Job’s response was to worship and bless the name of the Lord. Job never lost sight of who was in control. God knew Job’s character. He knew Job would not curse Him. Satan is confused. He expected Job to curse God.
Job never lost sight of who was in control. God knew Job’s character. He knew Job would not curse Him. Satan is confused. He expected Job to curse God.
How strong is our faith in God? Would we murmur, complain, and reject God? Or is our faith like Job’s?
At some point in time our day of testing is coming. How will we do?
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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