Job 1:6-12 AN UNUSUAL SCENE In this passage of scripture, we are allowed to have a glimpse of a council in heaven in which heavenly creatures such as angels came to give account to God. There are a number of "families" that have appointed roles to fill in God's plans. Each is responsible to do what God wants in the sphere of His choosing. In the human family there are different roles to fill. The Jews are a chosen earthly people God had intended to be a kingdom of priests, but who did not live up to the terms of the covenant He made with them. Those in the church of God today have a position in the body of which Christ is the Head, but in this body each person has a role to fill having been gifted by God to do certain work.
From all nations God is choosing a bride for His Son, to be intimate participants in the ages to come in showing the "exceeding riches of His grace." This glimpse into the heavenly sphere lets us know that those in heaven know at least some of what is happening on earth. "The sons of God (angels)" must have been giving reports regarding the tasks in which they have been involved. The fact that Satan (Adversary) was there as well, makes it plain to us that he is here on earth, but is limited to the space he is in at the moment.
"Going to and fro," and "walking up and down' covers east and west as well as north and south. The whole world lies in the hand of the wicked one, so our adversary is not limited as to where he can go. Of particular concern to believers is that we read of him observing the life of Job and knowing pretty much all that he did. He is also able to influence what a believer who is acting in the flesh might say. Temptations come from Satan, but in the same way our Lord Jesus Christ dealt with the temptations in the wilderness, we are able to gain victory over temptations when we apply the word of God to present needs. "When we "resist the devil" he flees. We can overcome him by the "blood of the Lamb."
Another great encouragement to those who love the Lord and live by faith, is that God makes a "hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side." Satan has no way to get through that hedge without the permission of the Lord. When God allows Satan to touch a child of God, there is some divine purpose in it. It may be for teaching, or it may be for testimony as in the case of Job.
Satan despises human beings, likely because he got the first humans, Adam and Eve, to succumb to his enticements in the garden of Eden at the beginning of human history. He has been taking advantage of human weakness ever since. However, when a person is born again into the kingdom and family of God, he does not have the power to control the situation nor to manipulate the child of God.
Even Satan is accountable to God. He is limited to time, space and matter. He does not have access into our minds, nor can he foretell what is going to happen. God's people can overcome satanic attacks through God's power in us. God has put limitations on what the devil can do. It is important for believers to remember he is an implacable enemy, and will use every means at his disposal to defeat the children of God. That is the only way for him to defy God. It is essential that every believer "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw night to God and He will draw nigh to you."
The insinuation in Satan's response to God's approval of Job's blameless and upright life, and his fear of God and shunning of evil, is that he lived this way in order to get what he wanted from God. Implied in the attitude of Satan toward Job is that he was a covetous hypocrite who really didn't love God at all, nor was he sincere in the way he lived, talked and raised his family.
God may allow testing times for us like he did for Abraham, Job and other people of faith. Some reasons for this are that it brings glory to God. The faithfulness and wise conduct of a child of God brings honor to our Gracious Father. The believer who passes through testing times with dignity, integrity and grace is often honored as others marvel at their positive testimony of faith. Another reason is that it is God's right to purify and sanctify His people now. Our testing times are here, where we can suffer for His name's sake. Also, many believers are encouraged to be steadfast and unmovable. We are to always, in every situation, abound in the work of the Lord in spite of difficulties, so that those who look on will see a strong testimony of faith in God.
Job was confident in his life for the Lord, because he knew his appreciation of God's interest was real. Adversity strengthens real faith and exposes counterfeit Christianity for what it is. When our faith is deeply rooted in our God, we will be able to go through serious trials and suffering. With our confidence in God, we accept the fact that God has allowed this for His own sovereign reasons. He knows what will happen to us, and is greater than any foe or form of opposition that is against us.
I will never understand all that happens to me each day But I do know I am responsible for all I do and say And I know God doesn't reveal ahead of time each step along life's way But I am sure of this, He is with me to keep me from wandering away.
I feel so insignificant in the wonderful universe God made I have experienced the bitterness of cold and enjoyed the coolness of shade My faith in the Living God is so assuring, and His joy I never want to trade Even though Satan may accuse me like Job, trusting in Christ, I'm not afraid.
Likely quite often, though unknown to me, Satan does before God me accuse
And likely he hopes that if he presses hard enough, my testimony I will lose I know he often uses temptation wanting me his evil plans to choose So, in order to stop his evil attempts, the holy scriptures I will use.
It happened to those like Job in the past, and will happen to me again The devil tries to hinder our work, and stop what God did begin He knows even though I am a child of God, sometimes I'm prone to sin But in faith by grace and the power and strength of God, the victory I will win.
"O Father, this scene in the book of Job, although it is disconcerting in one way, has given me greater assurance that 'my times are in Thy hand.' In every situation and in every temptation, I know Thou are with me - and I am so very grateful. Thanks, from the depths of my heart. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."