June 27, 2009

Today's Text: Job 1:8

The LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil."

-- New American Standard Bible

Most everyone is familiar with the story of Job. If you are not, you would benefit greatly from reading this historic book. Even those how have never read the book of Job have heard the phrase, "The patience of Job."

We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord's dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.

-- James 5:11

God put forth Job as an example of a faithful follower. Satin, with the typical sentiment of the world, replies that Job only serves God for what he can get out of it. Many in the world criticize the sincerity of Christians. They think that Christians only serve God because they are weak an needy. Such have never taken the time to read God's word or learn what Christianity is really all about.

There are also those who think that if they serve God nothing bad will ever happen to them. When something bad does come along, then they are either riddled with guilt, because they must have done something to anger God, or they blame God for, "Not being there when they needed Him the most."

From reading the book of Job we know that Job suffered as a result of his righteousness, as proof to satan that Job truly did serve God out of pure devotion to God. Would that we all had this same attitude toward serving God.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up."

-- Daniel 3:16-18

Would that we all would have the faith to say, "No matter what may befall me, I will serve the Lord." If we only serve God only when everything goes our way, than are we truly serving God or ourselves?

Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

-- 2 Timothy 3:12

Finally, it is noteworthy that God knew He could count on Job to remain faithful in spite of tremendous persecution from Satan. Would God have been able to count on us in the same way. Can God count on us today as a faithful follower? No soldier who turns and runs in the heat of battle can be trusted by his commander or fellow solders. It is one thing to train hard as a soldier in preparation for battle. It is another to stand firm and hold your position when the bullets start flying by you and you know that your life is on the line.

God needs true soldiers that He can depend upon to fight in active service to further the cause of Christ.

Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.

-- 2 Timothy 2:3-4

Can God count on you? What is your true motivation for serving God? Hopefully it is the love of Christ that compels you to give your life in service to God no matter what life brings your way.

For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.

-- 1 Corinthians 9:16

In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

-- 1 John 4:10

If you would like to learn more about God's Word, apart from the traditions of men, we encourage you to contact us today for a free Bible Correspondence Course.

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