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BASIC SCRIPTURE 22 September 2023 JOB 1: 1-12
Job 1:1-12 (KJV): September 2023
1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.
2 And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters.
3 His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.
4 And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.
5 And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.
6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them.
7 And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
8 And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?
9 Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?
10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.
11 But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.
12 And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord.
Devotional Reflection: September 2023
The opening verses of the book of Job introduce us to a man of great faith and integrity named Job. He is described as perfect, upright, God-fearing, and one who shuns evil. Job’s life is characterized by abundant blessings, including wealth and a large family. He is a model of faithfulness, offering sacrifices for his children’s potential sins and continually seeking to honor God.
However, this passage also reveals a significant spiritual conflict taking place in the heavenly realm. Satan questions Job’s faithfulness, suggesting that Job’s devotion to God is merely because of the abundant blessings and protection he enjoys. Satan challenges God, asserting that if these blessings were taken away, Job would curse God.
The story of Job teaches us several important lessons:
The Reality of Spiritual Warfare: There is a spiritual battle occurring beyond our perception, and our faith can be tested in unseen ways.
The Nature of True Faith: Job’s faith was not merely based on blessings but on a genuine reverence for God. True faith endures even in the face of trials.
God’s Sovereignty: God permits trials and testing in our lives, but He sets limits and ultimately has control over all circumstances.
Satan’s Accusations: Satan often seeks to undermine our faith by questioning our motives and accusing us before God.
As we reflect on Job’s story, let it remind us that genuine faith stands firm, even in adversity. Job’s unwavering faith becomes a powerful testimony of trust in God’s sovereignty and goodness, despite life’s challenges.
