God's Opinion of You

Read Job 1:1-22

Job is without a doubt one of the greatest works of literature ever written. Some suppose it to be the oldest of all the books of the Old Testament. In this first chapter we are introduced to the main character of the story (although I would be quick to add that God, even though silent most of the time, is still present and must not be forgotten when you read). The man’s name is Job. We are all familiar with the first two and the last chapter of the book. I hope to introduce you to the wonders of the entire book.

This first chapter is a strange chapter. You and I stand on the outside of the story and get a bird’s eye glimpse of something that even Job was not privy to: the scene in heaven. I think that what we see taking place in heaven is quite shocking even for the veteran of Job’s story. Who would expect that God would even entertain the enemy for a moment let alone challenge him to a duel of sorts? Yet that is precisely what happens.

It seems that everyone has an opinion of Job in this story. The author has an opinion: “This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil” (vs. 1) Job had an opinion of himself: “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts” (vs. 5, my emphasis.)

The enemy had an opinion of Job: “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have you not placed 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. But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face” (vs. 9-11). His enemies have an unstated opinion since they rob him. And his children have an unstated opinion too.

But there is one opinion in the book that matters and it belongs to none of these people. Rather it belongs to God: “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” (vs. 8, my emphasis). Can you imagine the weight of that opinion? Too often we are so entranced by the terrible plight of Job and his terrible losses that we take no notice whatsoever of God’s opinion of Job. And yet it is precisely God's opinion of Job that matters more than any other!

Can you imagine if God had this same conversation with the enemy today about you. Would he say the same thing about you? Is God’s opinion of you so like Job’s that he would use you as an example to prove a point to the enemy? If God were having this conversation right now with the enemy what would he say about you? Would he entrust you to carry out such an important mission? Would he trust you to suffer such loss and still be able to say, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” (vs. 20)

I suppose we often believe that suffering is some form of punishment and that it is to be avoided or defeated at all costs (this is the mantra of many popular television preachers & healers). I like to think that when we suffer it is God’s way of saying, ‘I trust you.’ Suffering hurts and no one here is suggesting otherwise. Still, we remember the words of the apostle, ‘Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.’ (Romans 5:3-5). A key to remember, when suffering, is that it’s not about us. God trusted that Job would bring glory to God’s name. He did. If we, like Job, bring glory to God's name then does it matter what suffering we must endure for the Name? How will you respond?

Prayer Thoughts on Job 1:1-22

Today, pray about the situation you find yourself facing. Perhaps without you even being aware of it God is using you to silence the voice of the enemy. Perhaps God is allowing you to suffer because he knows you will not fail. Perhaps he is allowing the enemy to subdue you because he knows you will not curse God but will instead worship and praise him and thus bring glory to his holy Name. Soli Deo Gloria!