Job 1.1-5:
"There once was a man named Job who lived in the land of Uz. He was blameless—a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil. 2 He had seven sons and three daughters. 3 He owned 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 teams of oxen, and 500 female donkeys. He also had many servants. He was, in fact, the richest person in that entire area.
4 Job’s sons would take turns preparing feasts in their homes, and they would also invite their three sisters to celebrate with them. 5 When these celebrations ended—sometimes after several days—Job would purify his children. He would get up early in the morning and offer a burnt offering for each of them. For Job said to himself, “Perhaps my children have sinned and have cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular practice."
Here at the beginning of the book, we meet Job. Job seems like a pretty awesome dude. He's not sinless, but he is blameless. That term right there has been under a lot of debate for a long time. The biggest question that's asked is 'what does this word mean?' Obviously it can't mean perfect, for Job himself admits to his imperfection in 9.20. A good way at understanding what the word 'blameless' means, is looking at it as meaning that Job aimed at perfection in respect of all of God's commandments. He was wholehearted and single-minded in his devotion to God. While this translation says he 'stayed away from evil' other translations give evidence to understanding 'blameless' this way because they read that he 'shunned evil,' in other words he hated the very thought of doing/participating in evil. It's easy to see also that Job was conscious about he and his family living in a way that pleased and honor God, by his actions on behalf of his children. We also see that in addition to his devotion to God, he was very well off, something, in my opinion, that you don't see very often.
Job 1.6-19:
Satan answered the Lord, “I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that’s going on.”
8 Then the Lord asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil.”
9 Satan replied to the Lord, “Yes, but Job has good reason to fear God. 10 You have always put a wall of protection around him and his home and his property. You have made him prosper in everything he does. Look how rich he is!11 But reach out and take away everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face!”
12 “All right, you may test him,” the Lord said to Satan. “Do whatever you want with everything he possesses, but don’t harm him physically.” So Satan left the Lord’s presence.
13 One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting at the oldest brother’s house, 14 a messenger arrived at Job’s home with this news: “Your oxen were plowing, with the donkeys feeding beside them, 15 when the Sabeans raided us. They stole all the animals and killed all the farmhands. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.”
16 While he was still speaking, another messenger arrived with this news: “The fire of God has fallen from heaven and burned up your sheep and all the shepherds. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.”
17 While he was still speaking, a third messenger arrived with this news: “Three bands of Chaldean raiders have stolen your camels and killed your servants. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.”
18 While he was still speaking, another messenger arrived with this news: “Your sons and daughters were feasting in their oldest brother’s home. 19 Suddenly, a powerful wind swept in from the wilderness and hit the house on all sides. The house collapsed, and all your children are dead. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.”
(Want a Different Translation? Click Here!)
Here we see the first test that Job endures. I want to make a note right here that I find important. I have heard a lot of people claim that ever since 'The Fall' (Genesis 3), Satan has been expelled from Heaven. That statement can't be true, and verse 6 here in the Book of Job proves that. This has some pretty important implications when you study other areas of Scripture, but I just wanted to point that out here for you guys. Something else worth noting, is that the name Satan actually in the Hebrew is 'the Sa-tan', which this translation accurately shows as 'the accuser.' This can be seen in a very obvious way as well when you read the Book of Zechariah. Something that sticks out to me here in this section is the fact that Satan has done his research. He's observed Job, spied on him, collected information, and now believes he has derived a fool-proof plan to snatch Job and his allegiance away from God. However it's comforting to see that God knows better. He knows that Job's loyalty goes deeper than just circumstance. His loyalty is embedded in his very character. But to test Job and prove his loyalty and devotion as genuine, God agrees to test Job. God is ultimately in control and nothing will be allowed to happen unless God allows it. It's important to realize that, but it's also important to realize that God will test you in life, but will NEVER tempt you. I've said this before, and I'll say it again.
Testing (positive result) --> purpose of evaluation and revelation of areas for improvement
Temptation (negative result) --> purpose of tearing down and destruction (See James 1.12-15)
Job 1.20-22:
“I came naked from my mother’s womb,
and I will be naked when I leave.
The Lord gave me what I had,
and the Lord has taken it away.
Praise the name of the Lord!”
22 In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God."
This is such an encouragement, in a number of ways. First of all, sorrow and grief is a normal and acceptable response to a devastating situation! But Job does something else that very commendable. In the midst of his grieving, he worships God! How difficult do you think this would be? For me, that would be SUPER tough! Well, that's all I'll say for now from chapter 1. Anything you guys see and want to comment on? =)
"Father thank You for being in control. Even when our world seems to be falling apart, I pray that we would cling to You, knowing that You are ultimately in control! May we learn from Job's example and offer You the praise and worship that You deserve in every area of our lives, even when things go bad. Father we love You so much! It's in Jesus' name that I pray, amen!"
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