Suffering - Satan's Perspective (Book of Job)

The book of Job is often summed up in one word: suffering. While that's accurate, the bulk of the book focuses on perspectives of suffering.

Today's blog post, Suffering: Satan's Perspective, sheds light on this intricate topic. Let's dig in!

A Peek Into Job's Life (Job 1:1-5)

To start, Job is described as a wealthy and upright man. Our culture often sees wealth and righteousness as mutually exclusive, but Job was an exception. He used his wealth wisely, rescuing the poor, caring for widows, and assisting the helpless (Job 29:12-17).

Job was termed "blameless," though not sinless. The significant takeaway is that being blameless is crucial. Philippians 2:14-16 reminds us to be "children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation."

Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. (Psalm 119:1)

I always emphasize to my kids that lying is one of the worst things they can do at home, especially lying to mom and dad. So when it comes to the "who ate the cookie in the cookie jar" moments, I can usually tell the one who did it based on their demeanor. The blameless one is usually at peace and barely spends any time trying to defend themselves. The guilty parties, on the other hand, wear anxiety on their faces. This underscores the freedom that comes with being blameless.

Psalms 15:1-5 further expounds on this, concluding that a blameless person "shall never be moved" — a testament to the security in God's kingdom.

A Divine Conversation (Job 1:6-8)

Scene shift: In Job 1:6-8, we see a heavenly conversation where Satan is present.

God asks Satan, "From where do you come?" and Satan responds vaguely about wandering the earth. Then God proudly points out Job as a "blameless and upright" man. This resembles how we'd brag about our own kids when they excel at something.

Are we living in a way that makes God proud of us? Ephesians 3:8-11 reveals that God uses the church to teach lessons even to angelic beings. So, our lives hold immense significance.

Satan's Perspective of Suffering (Job 1:9-12)

Satan argues that Job is only upright because of his blessings, proposing that taking them away would lead Job to curse God. From Satan’s standpoint, suffering is a tool to distance humanity from God. This rings true; many people wrestle with faith when faced with suffering.

So how do we respond to suffering? Recognizing Satan's goals can help us prepare and combat his attacks. Remember, Satan operates only within the limits set by God. This fact offers immense comfort and reassurance.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

Job’s Response to Calamity (Job 1:13-22)

Despite immense loss, Job acknowledges that everything he had was more than what he came into the world with. He passed his first test, maintaining his integrity and reverence for God.

Have we examined our own reactions to struggles and hardships? Are we easily swayed by adversity, or do we remain steadfast in our faith?

The Third Test (Job 2:1-10)

In chapter 2, God once again allows Satan to test Job, this time attacking his health. Despite extreme physical suffering, Job remains faithful. His wife, however, reaches her breaking point, urging him to curse God.

Satan often believes that physical suffering can turn us away from God. Yet, God’s sovereignty and our understanding of His love and provision should anchor us firmly during such trials.

In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. (1 John 4:9)

Why Job Triumphed

Job’s ability to overcome these trials lies in Job 1:1: "That man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil."

As God children, we need to be upright, fear God, and shun evil. This involves action—turning away from evil and cultivating our faith actively. According to 2 Peter 1:5-10, this means adding to our faith virtues like self-control, perseverance, and godliness.

Simply having faith isn't enough to make us productive citizens of the kingdom. James 2:20 states, "Faith without works is dead." This means a saving faith, a faith that delivers us from hell, without any productive works doesn't benefit the kingdom and it makes life harder for us. Studying and applying God's word equips us for life’s battles (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Let’s strive to be productive citizens in God's kingdom, representing His values here on earth. Remember, we're ambassadors of God's kingdom, and our lives should reflect that.