Our passage today is a front-row seat to a dialogue between God and Satan. In this conversation, initiated by God, we see the Father’s pride in his children and Satan’s hit at our motives.

Job 1:6-12
Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. The Lord said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.” So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.

Satan’s aim here is twofold. First, he wants to demonstrate that Job does not worship God for being God but for the practical benefits. Take away the blessings, says a cynical Satan, and Job “will curse you to your face.” Second, Satan wants to show that God is unable to sustain his children’s trust. Satan is working under the assumption that he can cause Job to jettison his faith.

One has said, “People love God the way a peasant loves his cow; for the butter and the cheese.” That sentiment echoes the enemy’s allegation, and, let’s be honest, for some, that is more than an accusation. Why do you love God?  Do you love him for who he is or what he provides? Certainly, we thank him for all his blessings, but is he enough if all his benefits go away?

Father, build in us such an unshakable faith that it stands through the most difficult times. Thank you for all your blessings…and…help us worship you simply because we know you are God. In Jesus’ name. Amen.