The next set in Job I have been chewing on are verses 6 through 12. Those that have read this book know there are some deep questions that are asked that may not have a fleshly acceptable answer. We cannot look at this section and not at least start to question this. Why did God do what He did? What God that cared for His people would allow this to happen? We will most likely keep these questions in mind as we look into this book. I would encourage you to chime in as I do not have all the answers and if you were to pick my brain, you will only end up with worn-out fingernails! That said, let’s look at this week’s passage. And we will be looking at the ESV of His Word.
“6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan[b] also came among them. 7 The Lord said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” 8 And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” 9 Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? 10 Have you not put a hedge 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. 11 But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” 12 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.” So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.”
Job 1: 6-12 ESV
There are quite a few elements of the nature of God in this small passage. We see He does like to commune. He desires to spend time with his angels. That is who he was giving an audience to in verse six. The “sons“ are angels here. Satan was an angel that was expelled from heaven. I found it interesting that God still allowed his presence. Satan has no rest for himself as we are told he goes “to and fro” and the absence of rest. We can look at how we can find rest in our God. Another great feature of the God we worship. I am reminded of Ps 46:10 which calls us to be still and know He is God. Jesus tells us in Matthew 11 that His yoke is easy and if we walk alongside Him, we will find rest for our souls. There is no rest in the absence of God or the presence of the enemy. Thirdly, God brags on us! He drew attention to Job. Why? He was holy and upright. He notices holiness! Be Holy as the Lord our God is Holy! Abba Father is proud when we chose to live a life of holiness!
I would love to leave things here, but if we are being honest and transparent in scripture we cannot. We cannot avoid the freedom God gives Satan in regards to this holy and upright servant. God did not cause this unsolicited punishment but allowed the enemy to access Job and his possessions as long as he left Job and his physical health alone. This question of why will remain to be unanswered at this point. I am glad this is not how this story ends, but it does not remove the pain of the beginning now does it?
Do I believe God was tricked into this? No. It goes against who God is.
Do I believe this action of God was fair? I cannot answer because who am I to question His will? Did Jesus also state not my will but Yours (God the Father) will be done?
Do I believe we can find peace in Him? Yes!
Do I believe He desires our company and is proud of our lives lived in holiness? Yes again!
Do I believe God is proud of His children? Yes!
If you are not one of His adopted children, please reach out and lets chat! You too can find rest! You too can be one of those children He is proud of!
What do you say?
Biblical Bacon 