The Devil's in the details

8 Then the Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil."

9 "Does Job fear God for nothing?" Satan replied. 10 "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. 11 But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.


Job 1:8-11

In the book of Job, we are exposed to the discussions in a heavenly or otherworldly court.  God himself oversees this court and begins to address the court which is described as having angels, including fallen angels such as Satan. 

The book of Job begins by powerfully illustrating that the events of our world are influenced by others in spiritual realms.  Although it is a heavenly court, the discussion centers upon Earthly matters.  We rarely take into account the nearness of God in daily matters.  We more often think of him as aloof and distant than having discussions about you and your life.

What is fascinating to me is the focus of God versus the focus of Satan in the story.  Even if you choose to interpret the book of Job metaphorically, where Satan represents evil and maliciousness, there is a definite difference in what God choses to emphasize in a person and what Satan is impressed by.

God focuses on Job's piety.  He is described as blameless and upright.  Due to his devotion, God literally has faith and trust in him.  However, notice that Satan doesnt challenge his piety, but focuses on his prosperity.  In fact, Satan assumes his piety is only because of his prosperity.

Many of you know the story.  Job has everything taken away but remains true to God.  A couple of principles that are made clear in this story:

1. God focuses on who a person is as opposed to what a person has.

2. Satan emphasizes prosperity over piety.  Anyone or anything that does the same should be suspect.

3. God is a God of providence.  It is God who provides, protects, and preserves.


What is your emphasis today: Prosperity or Piety.  Are you spending more time focusing on getting, obtaining, possessing or growing, giving, and being.  God is not ignorant of your needs, but is looking at your heart today.

In the heavenly court this morning, What is God saying about you?

God bless you this morning,

Pastor M Traylor