The Joy of Glory

Job 1:1-12 (click here)
And 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, who fears God and turns away from evil?” 9 Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? 10 Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and 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 stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” (Job 1:8-11)

Reflection
What is the real reason that Job fears God? Satan’s claim is that Job’s motivation is completely bound up in the fact that God has blessed him with material possessions. He’s claiming that Job doesn’t really love God the giver, but just the gifts. Take away the gifts and he will curse God…at least that is the claim.

Have you ever asked yourself, “Why do I fear God? Why do I love him, cling to him, and trust him?” It is important to know what is the foundation of our faith because if it is anything other than God himself it is a foundation that is easily destroyed.

If Job fears God because of God’s gifts…then his fear/faith is about to be gone. But, if Job fears God because of who God is…then his faith will remain no matter what happens.

What is the root/the foundation of our faith? Is it God’s good gifts or God himself? Only one of those things will sustain us when we undergo attacks from the enemy. Hint…it’s not the gifts.

*The complete SVCC Lenten reading guide is available here.