Recently, I read the Book of Job again. When I was younger, I was rarely heard a sermon on the book of Job. I understand why -- the topic of suffering is difficult to talk about.
If you have no idea what I am talking about, read Job.
In this post, I will not be handling the issue whether the Book of Job was meant to be a literal or a metaphorical story. I will merely be reflecting on the issue of Job's relationship with God. I will be reflecting on the Book of Job for this series of posts.
Synopsis on Job 1-2
Job was a wealthy man in the land of Uz. When God pointed out to Satan that Job was blameless and rightous, Satan retorted that Job only worships God because Job is blessed. Satan is then allowed to to destroy Job's wealth.
After Job loses his childen and lifestock, he remains faithful. From Job 1:21,
and [Job] said:
“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.”
As Job still remains faithful to God, Satan then asks permission to harm Job directly. Job is then inflicted with sores. Job's wife asked Job to curse God, but in Job 2:9
He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”
Still Job did not leave his faith in God.
Job was then comforted by three of his friends, Eliphaz, Bilad and Zophar.
My reflections
Satan has to have permission to harm us
What is striking to me is that Satan has to seek permission from God to harm people. This means that Satan is not even close to God in power and authority.
If God can allow Satan to cast evil upon us, it still means that Satan has his limits (i.e. what God allows). And God loves us.
Satan has a real point.
Like a good deceiver, Satan does hide a token of truth. He points out that people only stay loyal to God because they receive good things from God. In other words, they do not really love God; they only follow God due to the benefits they get from him.
Upon self-reflection, I realise this is true for me for most days. It is very easy to forget God when things do not go my way. I must be vigilant in keep my faith. I should love God for who He is, and not just because of the stuff he blessed me with.
Conclusion
Will we hang on to God even in the tough times?
References
Book of Job
