As is well known, Job was greatly afflicted by the Devil. His famiy, except for his wife, were killed, and he suffered unimaginable physical afflictions. Job is described in the Word as: that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil. His friends, often described as “miserable comforters” sought to blame Job in some way for his afflictions (well-meaning of course), and his wife, without hope, suggested he curse God and die. A preacher once taught on this biblical story and suggested that fear broke the hedge of God’s protection on Job and his family. Perhaps fear did play a role since he offered burnt offerings continually because he worried It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually, 1:5. Later Job confesses that For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me, 3:25. Whether fear played a major role or not, we now know that Jesus Christ came to destroy the works of the devil, in which He led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men, and set at liberty those oppressed of the devil. The Lord’s victory at the time of Job had not yet occurred, and Job found himself in the midst of a battle he couldn’t even begin to understand, yet He stood on what he knew of the Lord, and was delivered from his captivity. What he knew of the Lord, he learned by hearing:
Job 42:5 I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.
Job 42:6 Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.
Jas 5:11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
Today, Christians have the power of God’s Holy Spirit abiding in them, the Living Word, which is Christ in us the hope of Glory! We have the spiritual armor of God, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We inherit the promises of God through faith and patience (Heb 6:12)
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised (Heb 10:23)
God Bless!
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