The Book of Job Part 2

1:13-2:13 Then all that the Lord had placed in Satan's power was destroyed- Job's children were dead; Job's servants were decimated and all his possessions were stolen. Then, Satan again presents himself to the Lord with accusations that Job would curse God if attacked in bone and flesh. The Lord gives Satan permission to strike Job in that way, but to spare his life. Satan obliges and although stricken by the severest of circumstances and his wife's admonishment to let go of his integrity, curse God, and die, Job holds fast to what he knows of the Lord, saying in 2:9,"Shall we indeed accept good from God; and shall we not accept adversity?" In all this Job did not sin with his lips.  (The mouth will say what the heart allows, for "out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks")

Without question Job has responded exceptionally well in the midst of a severe trial. Regarding his offspring, Job was worried to the point of offering daily burnt offerings because "it may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts" (1:5). Apparently Job's concern was justified as they were destroyed, seemingly unconcerned in the face of their father's faith. Based upon how they ended up, they knew what was right in their father's sight and were unrepentant. Chapter 5:3,4 reads, "I have seen the foolish taking root, but suddenly I cursed his dwelling place. His sons are far from safety. They are crushed in the gate and there is no deliverer (for the foolish)."

It appears that Job responded in an upright and blameless way. Yet Job's biggest fight was yet to come: the battle of self-righteousness vs. righteousness of God. That battle was a formidable foe for Job, bringing correction from the Lord. The chapters between 2 and 42 record Job's struggles with a foe of which he was unaware- the grip that self-righteousness had on his soul. We must understand that battle is ours as well.

Satan is hoping he can get you to serve yourself, family, possessions, health. The Lord knows what he has put in man, a measure of faith to persevere. James 1:4 reads "let perseverance have its perfect work that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing".