Read Job 1:6-22
Before too much time passes, I wanted to pass on something I learned from my pastor husband, David, as I was preparing to start this reflection. An Old Testament scholar would know that the “Satan” we read about here must be taken into context. We bring a lot of “New Testament” knowledge about how evil is personified in Satan or the devil. People in Job’s time would not have that same knowledge. For them, Satan would be more of a prosecuting attorney or an accuser wanting to trip up or tempt one of God’s favorites.
Here, the accuser is pointing his finger at Job, the terrific guy who was notably God-fearing. God sure thought highly of Job as he told Satan, “He is the finest man in all the earth.” Don’t rush past that. God thought that about Job. Did Job know he pleased God that much? We are all God’s favorites, didn’t you know?
Job’s fine character may give us reason to self-examine our own devotion to God. Are we sold out for God, or are we a bit lukewarm not sure about putting our whole self into the relationship? I think we all strive to more like the integrity-filled, God-fearing person Job is said to have been.
So then came the test. Were you surprised when God allowed Satan access to Job saying, “Do whatever you want with everything he possesses, but don’t harm him physically.” And then, WHAM! Satan wasted no time in making his accusations and orders for calamity on Job. He had to test Job’s devotion to God.
In Satan’s mind, he must have thought Job’s devotion was solely a response to all the riches he had. Job’s response to all of this loss in the moment was to worship. Did that surprise you? Have you ever given praise like that in the midst of your crisis or pain? It can be hard, but Job proves one can. In fact, it can be that very praise that helps lessen your load or your pain.
We can even imagine what tragic loss this was coming at Job from every side – business, family, possessions, not to mention the many lives of his employees. While he must have been in shock, his heart turned to God in praise, accepting his lot no matter how painful.
We’re told, “Job did not sin by blaming God.” We’ve all known people, even ourselves, who blame God for their problems. We see that God allowed Satan the opportunity to do whatever he needed to do other than physically hurt Job himself. Physically, Job was fine. Emotionally he was a wreck. Spiritually, he was devoted. What a great model for us in our own times of pain and loss.
How often do you think we are open season for evil schemes. We have confidence in our salvation, and yet that often means we’re even more targeted. We know that the truth lies in God’s word, and so long as we pay attention to the truth and grow in our relationship with Jesus, we can sustain through the worst of times. That’s what Job was facing with this first test. Would Job succeed and pass the test?
I’m not sure how I would have fared. But then I look around and see loss in my life that has been beautifully replaced with purpose, God’s purpose. Take time today to talk with God about your purpose.
Let’s pray. Father God, I thank you for how you put up the shield of protection around me. I know there are times of testing I must endure as well, but in those times I draw closer to you and that’s so worth it. May the light of Christ burn brightly within me so that others will see me glowing. I want to give glory to you, Lord! Help me stay strong and focused on you, like Job, when times are hard. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
