May 1, 2024 - Job 1-2

“There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil” (1:1).  What a commendation!  Satan, the accuser, couldn’t stand that such a man existed.  It’s sort of akin to a contemporary situation in which the evil world, seeing the way the righteous man lives, despises him and seeks to bring him down.  An example?  Whatever one’s political leanings, consider former Vice President Mike Pence who has so often been mocked because of his good and godly lifestyle.  And, so, Satan accuses Job:  “Does Job fear God for no reason?” (1:9)  The accusation runs something like this:  God has so blessed Job with riches, reputation, and family, of course he follows God.  God is his “sugar daddy” of sorts.  In other words, Satan accuses Job of acting from selfish motivations.  Take away blessing, however, and Job will turn.

How wrong can Satan be?!?!  Broken by loss of children, loss of wealth and reputation, and suffering painful physical maladies, Job was encouraged by his wife, his wife saying to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die” (2:9).  Consider Job’s responses to all this.  Regarding his great losses, “In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.” (1:22).  To his wife, he responded, “’You speak as one of the foolish women would speak.  Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?’  In all this Job did not sin with his lips” (2:10).  Oh, so not perfect, but what a guy!  No matter what the day held, Job would not accuse God but would rest in him.  The great reformer understood:

A safe stronghold our God is still,

a trusty shield and weapon;

he'll keep us clear from all the ill

that hath us now o’ertaken.

The ancient prince of hell

hath risen with purpose fell;

strong mail of craft and power

he weareth in this hour;

on earth is not his fellow.   –Martin Luther (1529)