(REFLECTIONS ON Job 1:1-22)

As we begin to look at the Book of Job together as a church, let us consider this man, blameless, upright, fearing God, and turning away from evil. Blameless in his actions, and blessed in all he had.

His life, however, was not just based on a moment of holiness, but Scripture tells us that Job lived a blameless life continually, meaning that this blameless, upright, fearing God, turning away from evil lifestyle, was always, and not just sometimes.

When the adversary came to the presence of the Lord, he came from roaming about on the earth looking for someone to accuse, for that is what Satan means in Hebrew. The Lord then asked the accuser if he had considered His servant Job?

9 Then Satan answered the Lord, “Does Job fear God for nothing?”

In line with his name, the accuser or adversary, accuses Job of fearing, honoring, worshiping God only because of the blessings he has received from the Lord.

Thus begins the Book of Job where we along with Job consider a life of faithfulness, what it really means to be servant of the Lord Most High. Although our minds may be filled with questions and ask why God would allow Job to be tested this way, but perhaps beyond that, we should be asking ourselves, what would become of our faith if we were accused in that way.

Yes, Job’s faith was tested, but more than that, deeper than that, was the question of how Job would face this accusation against him, “Does Job fear God for nothing?”

Aren’t we all curious what it will take to break this man? And at the same time, does it lead us to reflect on the same question for ourselves? What will it take to break me, break my faith, break my reliance on the Lord, and break my worship of the God that has bought my life with His Son, Jesus Christ?

Tragedy came to Job, however, after losing his livestock, servants, and even his sons and daughters, Job did not sin nor did he blame God.

20 Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped.

What did Job do when tragedy hit him? Did he break? Yes, he was broken. He grieved deeply. But his brokenness did not lead him to abandon God. Rather, falling to the ground, he worshiped.

Brothers and sisters, are we sometimes focused too much on why God could allow this to happen, rather than be deeply touched by Job’s response? He was broken as a man, as we often are broken as people, but his worship did not break!

Perhaps this reflects our own perspective on faith and life, considering our life in Christ, but yet still wanting the life to be ours. However, Job responded by grieving without abandoning God.

And so, as the Lord gives, the Lord takes away, and His servant worshiped! He worshiped! Where then is our worship? Tragedy led Job to worship, what about us?

This should hit us right in the stomach, at the core of our faith and belief in God. Jesus Christ paid for our sins, He is the one that died on the cross, the pain, the suffering, for us, and we have a hard time worshiping Him even when all is well.

In tragedy, in brokenness, Job worshiped! Christ was broken for us, and what do we give? Jesus gave Himself for us, and where is our worship?

Who are we to say what is fair and what is not fair? What we deserved because of our sin was death. But God, in His grace, gave us Christ. Jesus Christ went to the cross for our sin. Job worshiped! Christ obeyed! And we have been given life, so mustn’t we worship?

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: Job 1