“From roaming through the earth…” Job 2:2b
/Satan’s reply to God’s question hadn’t changed either… satan is a roamer, and he is roaming the earth like a lion, seeking one to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Satan likes easy targets; which is why Job was not considered, for Job’s faith and devotion to God was already on record. However, in verse three, God seemed to get in satan’s face by touting his servant Job (each attribute is presented in five words!):
“Have you considered my servant”: the same opening description of Job as before, exposing satan’s method of targeting the weak (v.3a) – Job had evidently not been considered because of the strength of his faith.
“….there is none like him…” : again, the words are following the pattern established in God’s first description of Job, a superlative Believer among the sons of men.
“…he is blameless and upright…”: pointing to The One Who lived a perfect life, Job is the embodiment of everything God applauds; there were others in the Bible who are described as upright, but Job stands out as unique in his time.
“…a man who fears God…”: reminding satan of his impending doom, these words mirror one who understands an eternal perspective, thus equipping him to deny temptation and flee from evil.
“…he still maintains his integrity…”: this last phrase is an addition to the original description of Job, for Job passed the test of authentic faith, demonstrated at the end of chapter one.
God’s description of Job provides five litmus tests for every Believer:
God will present us as worthy to be tested to show our true character.
True Believers are set apart from the world, being in it – though not of it.
Those who walk by faith are to be Jesus to the world – blameless and upright. When a Believer grasps this reality, it brings a huge paradigm shift in the way s/he lives and interacts with others.
True Believers have an eternal perspective… they fear God more than man or satan; and this frame of reference empowers one to overcome tests of temptation.
Those who claim the name of Christ develop spiritual disciplines which build a reputation upon which others can count on; for God’s will is to shape each Believer into the pattern of His Son, Jesus Christ. When one maintains her/his integrity, that one is displaying a mature faith which points to God’s faithfulness and power.
God uses those available to Him to prove His Lordship and wisdom, both in Heaven and on earth. We needn’t be surprised if God were to choose us as one to be considered on the same basis as Job after developing the spiritual disciplines to be a mature, dependable soul who walks by faith.
As satan roams the earth, does he consider you an easy target or an impossible one?
Have a blessed day…