Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Did he get it wrong?

In one day Job lost everything, including his children (Job 1). The story of Job has been the subject of debate for thousands of years and will continue to fascinate people as they explore the meaning behind the words hidden within the text.

This morning I want to look at a peculiar aspect of Job’s plight. Scripture teaches that God told Satan, “Everything he has is in your hands” (Job 1:12). Satan immediately sets out to destroy Job’s faith. The catalysts include robbers, fire and an apparent tornado (Job1:13-19). Does this mean Satan can control the elements?

Job says, “"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." (Job 1:21).

Was Job wrong to equate his losses to God? Didn’t we just read that Satan was the author of the destruction? But scripture does not correct Job. Instead it says, “In all this Job did not sin in charging God with wrong doing.” In other words, Job got it right. God authored the destruction by giving permission to Satan.

The trial was not yet finished. God gave permission to Satan to touch Job’s body. Satan covered Job in boils. Job’s response? “Shall we not accept good from God and not trouble?” (Job 2:10) and scriptures response? “In all this Job did not sin in what he said.

How does this apply to us?