relationships (Job 1:1-22) Why Is There Suffering?

(Job 1:1-22)  There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job; and that man was blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil. 2 Seven sons and three daughters were born to him. 3 His possessions were seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred female donkeys, and very many servants; and that man was the greatest of all the men of the east. 4 His sons used to go and hold a feast in the house of each one on his day, and they would send word and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. 5 When the days of feasting had completed their cycle, Job would send word to them and consecrate them, getting up early in the morning and offering burnt offerings according to the number of them all; for Job said, “Perhaps my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Job did so continually.

6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. 7 The Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” Satan answered the Lord and said, “From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it.” 8 The Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil.” 9 Then Satan answered the Lord, “Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 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. 11 But reach out with Your hand now and touch all that he has; he will certainly curse You to Your face.” 12 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not reach out and put your hand on him.” So Satan departed from the presence of the Lord.

13 Now on the day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, 14 a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the female donkeys feeding beside them, 15 and the Sabeans attacked and took them. They also killed the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 16 While he was still speaking, another came and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 17 While he was still speaking, another came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three units and made a raid on the camels and took them, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 18 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “Your sons and your daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, 19 and behold, a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people and they died, and I alone have escaped to tell you.”

20 Then Job got up, tore his robe, and shaved his head; then he fell to the ground and worshiped. 21 He said,

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
And naked I shall return there.
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away.
Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

22 Despite all this, Job did not sin, nor did he blame God.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

Satan is no dummy.  Besides focusing on Israel and the Israelites (God's chosen), Satan will attack where outreach is strong and will attack Christians (God's children) who are living in God's will.  He and his demons are determined to do whatever they can to keep people from God, as well as stop people from following God.  Notice, in this passage, Satan was even trying to taunt and tempt God, Himself, saying that He should reach out His hand and do evil.

God is holy and cannot sin, and cannot have a relationship with sin.  God is also sovereign, therefore nothing is done without the Lord allowing it to happen.  Understand, God is also caring and loving, and therefore He created mankind, because He wanted someone to love.  Because love does not force anyone to love back, He created us all with a free will.  And what is free will without options?  And what are options without leeway to act upon our choices?  Circling back to just how loving and caring the Lord is - just imagine how bad things would be without the Lord restraining evil to the extent that He does!!!

Regarding those who have chosen to become HIs children, the Lord protects.  Although, as we see in this passage, God will allow struggles to still come our way.  Sometimes they are consequences of our own sinful actions.  And sometimes they are consequences of other people's sinful actions.  And sometimes, like here with Job, it is because we live in a fallen, broken world.  And let's not forget that there is a spiritual warfare.  

All temptations, trials and tribulations should be considered as tests.  As we remain steadfast in worshipping and following God, God is faithful and will use these events, experiences and times to do amazing things in us, and through us, and around us.

(James 1:13)  No one is to say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.

(1 Corinthians 10:13)  No temptation has overtaken you except something common to mankind; and God is faithful, so He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

(James 1:2-4) Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

(Philippians 4:13) I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

(2 Corinthians 12:9-10) And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in distresses, in persecutions, in difficulties, in behalf of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong."

(Romans 8:28)  And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

(Jeremiah 29:11) For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.