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The book of Job is truly an important book
of the Bible. Although every book in the Bible gives us
tremendous insight into the true character of God, Job is the
only book which truly shows the heart of God. He revealed
Himself. The book of Job starts with God talking about His most
outstanding child on the earth at the time.
Job 1:8
Then the LORD said to Satan,
“Have
you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on
the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and
shuns evil?”
He says that he was blameless,
upright, fears God and shuns evil. God was so very pleased with
such a man. He wanted Satan to recognize the most incredible man
on earth. This man made every effort to please and glorify God
by not only doing the right thing but avoid the wrong thing and
to top it all off he feared God. He truly respected and feared
God. God was thrilled; this made His heart extremely glad.
Of Course, Satan said there was a
reason.
Job 1:9-11
9
So Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for
nothing?
10
Have you not made a hedge around him, around his household, and
around 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 now, stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he
will surely curse you to your face!”
David talks about this protection
in Psalms 91. God does protect. Satan knew this and he also knew
that he could do nothing without God’s consent. Do you realize
that Satan still does this today? He comes before the throne of
God and accuses us before God. Jesus is our intercessor (Heb.
8:34-39).
God knew that Job loved
Him. He knew Job’s heart and He allowed him to be tested.
However, Satan returns to the throne of God and tries again.
Job 2:3-6
3
Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant
Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and
upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil? And still he
holds fast to his integrity, although you incited me against
him, to destroy him without cause.”
4
So Satan answered the LORD and said, “Skin for skin! Yes, all
that a man has he will give for his life.
5
But stretch out Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh,
and he will surely curse You to Your face!”
6
And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand, but
spare his life.”
God then adds on the
fact that Job is not only continuing to do all the things he had
done before he says that Job is holding fast to his integrity.
Job holds his integrity even though Satan has incited God
against him to destroy him without cause.
Of course, Satan is not done.
He has to ask permission again to attack Job’s body. He was sure
this would work. God did put a parameter in which Satan was not
allowed to take his life.
The truly personal representation of God’s
heart is His description of creation. He talks about His
meticulous thought to detail. We choose a doctor, dentist,
babysitter etc. because of their reputation. Look at and be
amazed at the reputation of OUR GOD. We have definitely made the
right choose in choosing God as our God.
Let’s see what God had done:
Marked the dimensions of the earth
(38:5)
Established limits for the sea
(38:10)
Given order for the morning and
shown dawn its place (38:12)
Cuts channels for torrents of rain
and path for thunderstorm (38:25)
Have you….?
·
Journeyed to
the springs of the sea (38:16)
·
Walked in the
recess of the deep (38:16)
·
Seen gates of
death or the shadow of death (38:17)
·
Comprehend
vast expanses of the earth (38:18)
·
Entered
the storehouse of snow and hail (38:22)
Do you know…?
·
The location
of light & darkness (38:19)
·
Dwelling of
light and dark and can take them to their place (38:20)
·
Where
lightening is dispensed (38:24)
·
Where east
winds are scattered over the earth (38:24)
·
Who fathers
rain and dew (38:28)
·
Who gives
birth to ice and frost from heaven (38:29)
·
The laws of
heaven (38:33)
Can you…?
·
Bind pleaidea
(38:31)
·
Loose cord of
Orion (38:31)
·
Bring forth
constellation in their season (38:32)
·
Lead out bear
with its cubs (38:32)
·
Set up God's
dominion over the earth (38:33)
·
Send
lightening bolts (38:35)
·
Endow the
heart with wisdom (38:36)
·
Give
understanding to the mind (38:36)
·
Tip over the
water jars of the heaven (38:37)
God then talks about the details He
put into the animals that He created. God talks about the
ravens, the lions, lioness, doe, mountain goats, wild donkeys,
wild ox, ostrich, stork, horses, hawks, eagles, behemoth and the
leviathan. Now, I have a few questions for you:
Did you know…?
·
Ravens cry out
to God for food (38:41) I thought that only people cried to God
for food.
·
Ostrich is
much faster than a horse but she does not have the sense to take
good care of her young. She is just not wise. I thought all
animals had instincts and were smart.
·
The horse is
not afraid of battle. He does not ride away from conflict. He is
endowed with courage.
·
The behemoth
ranks first among the works of God.
·
The leviathan breath out fire and smoke comes from
his nostrils. I am not really sure what animal that is but smoke
and fire is amazing.
Job was grateful and pleased that God had
shared part of himself with him. He drew closer to God through
this time of testing.
God will test us all. Will you be found
faithful? |
