Job 1:9-11

Satan’s Blasphemy

You remember the history: Satan presents himself before the throne of God. The discussion turns to the faithful godliness of Job, and the devil announces his scandalous accusation.

“Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not made a fence around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But reach out with Your hand now and touch all that he has; he will certainly curse You to Your face.”

Satan’s assertion is infuriating because it impugns the nature of God, insinuating that He is not worthy of adoration in and of Himself. It asserts that all worship is hypocritical ritual acted out only for some tit-for-tat benefit received, that God is not inherently wonderful and glorious and worthy.

The devil’s evil display is galling, but I cannot spend my fury upon him. With Jude’s counsel (Jude 9), I shall imitate Michael and pray that the Lord will rebuke him at the right time and way.

God does not pay His worshipers, though He takes care of His entire creation. The rain provides water for the just and the unjust. He blesses the faithful in special ways but can withhold blessings when that is wise. For believers, worship is its own reward, and its focus isn’t on us or our benefit anyway. It’s our privilege and created purpose to be worshipers.

Part of the lessons from Job’s experience is that suffering has eternal value. It is sacred and precious in God’s sight. God cares about us deeply. When He allows suffering and trouble, it is always for good purpose. We likely will not understand all the detailed reasons, though Job’s case gives us a glimpse behind the scenes.

Job’s suffering and his response to it demonstrate that genuine faith exists among the creatures, that worship is real and not bought, and that God is worthy of worship.

That is a glorious and satisfying reality. What a privilege Job had, as difficult as it was to endure. Our troubles are miniscule comparatively, but perhaps we can imitate Job and turn our face constantly toward God for the strength to carry on.

This topic calls out a need for biblical balance on several sides. Some of our trouble we inflict on ourselves as consequences of our own sinning. For this God has mercy, but we have need of confessing our fault and in trusting the cleansing purchased at Calvary.

And, we must bear in mind that suffering is not more holy than a state of prosperity gifted by God. Too often in church history, believers have glorified suffering with a morbid romanticism, seeking pain as if it were more spiritual. This too is a delusion. It is appropriate to follow the Lord’s prayer: "lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."

So when you fall into troubles of any color, rejoice that God in His wisdom is giving your faith exercise and ask Him for wisdom to choose well your response. (James 1:2-5) And consider that something amazing might be happening in the heavenly realms that you have no knowledge of.

Pursuit of wisdom for today from the Ancient of Days

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