Thurs.’s Devo - Job

Read: Job 1:1-3:26, 1 Co. 14:1-17, Ps. 37:12-29, Pr. 21:25-26 The word “Job” in the Hebrew means “hated, persecuted”. First he was probably hated because he was the richest man in the east. I’m sure people that didn’t know him were jealous of his prosperity, and I’m sure these same people were glad to see him lose it all. It is the way of human nature, but we have the nature of God so we should never covet another’s success or be happy when they lose it. Job had a really bad day the day he lost everything. He might have temporarily lost his reputation on earth but what he didn’t realize was he was growing it in heaven. All heaven was watching this showdown between God and Satan. Job just happened to be the pawn. If Job had known this I’m sure his disposition would have been different. This is a good word for us to hear. Sometimes our circumstances have nothing to do with us. Maybe God is using us as an example in heaven. It was a great compliment to Job to be chosen for this test. We should feel honored when tests come. They come to make us strong, teach us patience and humble us. I do think it is interesting to know that Satan knew the thing that would affect Job the most because Job said in 3:25 “For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.” Satan has demons that watch us to see our weaknesses and fears. That is what he brings to tempt us. Paul teaches us in Corinthians that in the church it is better to use gifts that edify the people. He is talking about speaking in tongues. But he will tell us tomorrow that he is glad he speaks in tongues because it is the spirit that is speaking. The Holy Spirit knows just what to pray. Lord, thank you for the trials we face. Help us to do it willingly with love.