GOD'S STAFF MEETINGS

There are some strong similarities between Job 1 and Job 2. 

Apparently, God had periodic staff meetings (1:6, 2:1) in which He heard reports and gave assignments.  In both of these instances, Satan appears at these meetings. 

In the first, God asks him what he has been doing.  Satan reports that he’s been roaming the earth, observing its inhabitants.

God asks if he has checked out Job and then declares him to be “unlike any other person on the whole earth” because of his character and integrity.

It is immediately clear that Satan knows of Job, for he complains that God has put a hedge of protection around him!  We can assume from this that Satan has tried to tempt Job, but was unsuccessful in doing so!  Satan suggests that if this protection was removed, Job would not be so pious.

God then assures Satan that this protection will be removed and that all of Job’s possessions are subject to Satan’s wishes.  However, Satan is not to lay a hand on Job!

Immediately Satan goes to work!  In one day, his flocks and herds are all destroyed or stolen.  Then, in a surprising and devastating move, his seven sons and three daughters are all killed in a tornado! 

Job is devastated, but “tore his robe, shaved his head, and fell to the ground.  Face down, Job sprawled in the dirt to worship…In all of this Job neither sinned nor did he make foolish charges against God.”  [vs.21,22 The Voice]. 

At the beginning of chapter two, God is holding another staff meeting and again Satan appears.  Again, God asks what he has been doing.

Again, Satan explains that he has been roaming the earth and observing its inhabitants.

Ironically, God asks if he’s looked into His faithful servant, Job? 

This time, Satan complains that because God has protected him by preserving his health, he remains true to God. 

So, God grants Satan the opportunity to attack Job’s health – however, he cannot take his life!

Immediately, Job breaks out in sores from head to foot!  He is in agony and scrapes his sores with broken pottery as he sits in the ashes outside of town.  Even his wife suggests that he curse God and die! 

But Job’s response is PRICELESS! 

“Are we to accept the good that comes from God, but not accept the bad?” [2:10 The Voice]. 

It’s at this point that three of Job’s friends [who happen to be from different regions] come to sit with him in

mourning and silence for seven days!

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OBSERVATIONS:

1.    God’s protection is real!  We should pray for it for ourselves and those we love!

2.    Satan’s aggression is real!  He prowls the earth looking for faithful ones to attack!

3.    The faithful stick together encouraging and counseling one another!

4.    If you read the rest of the book, you will see that faithfulness is always rewarded!