JOB IS TESTED

Satan soon tested Job in a number of ways.  Some of Job's animals were stolen, and others were killed.  Most of his servants were slaughtered. This brought economic hardship. Further  tragedy struck when Job's ten children died in a storm. Despite these terrible events, however, "Job did not sin or ascribe anything improper to God."-Job 1:22.

Satan did not give up.  He must have thought that although Job could endure the loss of his possessions, servants, and children, he would turn against God, if he became sick.  Jehovah let Satan strike Job with a disgusting, painful disease.  But even this did not cause Job to lose faith in God. Rather, he firmly said: "Until I expire I shall not lose my integrity!" -Job 27:5. 

Job was not aware that Satan was the cause of his troubles. Not knowing the details about the Devil's challenge of Jehovah's sovereignty, Job feared  that god was the source of his problems.  (Job 6:4; 16:11-14) Still, he kept his integrity to Jehovah.  And Satan's claim that served God for selfish reasons was prove false by Job's faithful course! 

Job's faithfulness provided Jehovah with a forceful reply to Satan's insulting challenge. Job truly was Jehovah's friend, and God rewarded him for his faithful course. -Job 42:12-17. 

Next time: HOW YOU ARE INVOLVED

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006