Job - Pt. 1

 

There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil. 2 There were born to him seven sons and three daughters. He possessed 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, and 500 female donkeys, and very many servants, so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the east. His sons used to go and hold a feast in the house of each one on his day, and they would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. And when the days of the feast had run their course, Job would send and consecrate them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my children have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did continually. (Job 1:1-5 ESV).

 

As I have mentioned previously, I will be teaching some basics within the framework of the Book of Job later this spring at Gospel City Church, Arlington. I am preparing for that study now. Therefore, I thought it might be instructive to share with you through Morning Devotionals some of the insights I have gained from a return to this book of the Old Testament. I have preached through it several times over the years; however, the perspective of this study requires a different approach. Thus far it has been incredibly instructive to me personally. I hope it will inspire you as I share each day some of the things that have encouraged me.

 

So, let us begin. In the little drama that opens the book of Job, God tells Satan: “There is no one on earth like him.” For Job “was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil.” Job is also described as “the greatest man among all the people of the East.” He was wealthy, and God had blessed him with seven sons and three daughters. Job worshiped God faithfully. Every day he sacrificed a burnt offering for each of his children, in case they had sinned against God. But the devil claimed that Job only served God for what he could get out of it. In other words, Job’s faith lacked integrity; Job only walked with God because it made him prosper.

 

God allowed Satan to test Job’s faith. God allowed Satan to take away Job’s children and wealth. And although Job’s faith became strained, it did not break. Job never cursed God. He remained faithful, even confessing, “The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.” Maybe you are going through a “Job moment” in your life. Life is tough right now. Your walk with God isn’t making you rich, keeping you from sickness, or protecting your children from troubles. The key truth is that God is the beginning and ending of all of our experiences. Because of that we have the promise of good at the end of every circumstance, whether of our making or not. Our Father in heaven protects and keeps His children. We must remember that as we go forward.