SUNDAY September 12, 2021

The Accuser of the Brethren

So Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!”
Job 1:9-11

Satan is known as the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night... (Revelation 12:10). Satan hates those who are committed to God. In Job 1:8, Satan came before God. The Lord asked Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?” Notice Job’s integrity. Can you place your name in this verse?

Satan challenged God to test Job as He had blessed him so much. Satan objected as if to say, “You have hedged Job all around. Remove the hedge and let me get to him, and then see if your servant Job still loves you!” Satan said: “...he will surely curse You to Your face!” (Job 1:11).

God gave permission to Satan to test Job: “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person” (Job 1:12). What does the Bible reveal about Satan’s power? It is limited. God protected Job.

Satan did not waste any time. All of a sudden, Job received bad news from a messenger saying all his oxen and donkeys were raided and his servants killed. Another message came. All his sheep and his servants were consumed in a fire from heaven. Yet another message arrived. All his camels were raided, and again more servants were killed.

Then the worst news arrived. His sons and daughters were killed when a great wind caused the house to collapse (Job 1:13-19). Job had lost everything. He knew animals could be replaced, but not his children. All these things happened by divine providence to prove Job’s character.

God sees our lives––all the time. During testings, God divinely protects us. Satan is not allowed to lay a finger on us without His permission.

Satan can do only what the sovereign God allows him to do.
~R.C. Sproul~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!