Job 2
Fred has sporadic internet service while traveling so you are stuck with me for a few days. Unfortunately, my morning routine is not as consistent as Fred’s, so I offer no guarantees with regard to getting posts out before noon on any given day…
Today we get the rest of the “back story” for Job, the interaction between the LORD and Satan that leads to Job’s suffering. I have always found it interesting (and somewhat disconcerting) that in both yesterday’s reading (Job 1:8) and today’s (Job 2:3), it is the LORD that draws Satan’s attention to Job: Have you considered my servant Job…? It is clear that Satan is the one who is directly responsible for all the calamity that befalls Job, including his bodily suffering, but it is all under God’s permission and sovereignty. (Job 2:6) In fact, this is the last we hear about Satan. Throughout the rest of the book, everyone considers the LORD to be the source of Job’s suffering.
A word to spouses: Don’t be like Job’s wife! She enters the story today as the first person to give Job some advice, and it is horrendous advice: Curse God and die. (Job 2:9) Fortunately, Job refuses to listen to that advice. Instead, he responds with a question that “prosperity gospel” advocates (along with many Evangelicals) would do well to heed: Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil? (Job 2:10)
Finally, we meet Job’s friends, and we should learn from them here. They weep in sympathy with Job and sit with him, not saying anything. That is the best comfort they could give, and often that is the best we can do as well.
Thanks John. I have read Job before but never with others so it’s great to hear from others what they see in each chapter. I like your comment on Job’s friends. Years ago I heard a song by Charlie Peacock titled ‘Now is the time for tears.’ I think it describes Job’s friend’s behavior in this verse.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYjHkzYgaCc
John already commented on verse 10: Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil? There is so much truth in this verse. When we can recognize that our Lord knows everything about us – everything! – the good and the bad, only then can we thank Him for whatever situation we find ourselves in. If prayers are not answered according to our “desires”, it’s likely there’s a reason that we may find out down the road.