Satan Begs

Satan Begs Again: “Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.” (Job 1:9-11)

Old Slew Foot failed to break Job using the techniques God allowed. Now he is back begging God to allow him further encroachment upon Job’s life, family and belongings. Here is where we first learn that Satan can do God’s people no harm without God’s permission. Than is not to say that seed sewn sorrow will not be allowed to mature in like manner. Here we witness Satan acknowledging the sovereign power of God, he is conceding that God has “made a hedge” around Job and that He has “blessed the work of his hands.” Satan must wait for permission from God before he does any further testing of Job. Do not fall into the trap of believing Satan has no great power. God created him very powerful. Satan has power to do much damage, yet he appears to understand that nothing could be done unless the Creator Himself gave His permission. Even in his blatant disdain for everything God represents, Satan knows that God must withdraw the “hedge” before any “touch” on Job could occur. Let us remember, don’t fight Satan alone, pray.

The Lord confidently authorized Satan to further harm Job. “Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand” (Job 1:12). So, Satan went out from the presence of the Lord. He was anxious to reenter Job’s life with more freedom to torment him. However God had exempted Job from Satan's death touch or further physical harm on him.

God’s “thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways [His] ways” (Isaiah 55:8), Who can know the mind of God? In our world we know that He does extend His protective authority on all of His twice-born. “No temptation [has] taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

 

Whatever may happen “to them who are the called according to his purpose” in this life, God is overseeing and protecting every moment so that “all things work together for good to them that love God” (Romans 8:28). Let us not fret or worry for we are not alone. Great disasters, huge loses and much suffering may befall us. If we are children of God, we have super powers watching over us. Know God, know peace. 04-06-2019 Bll