Job 2:1-10
“Very well,” the Lord told Satan, “he is in your power; only spare his life.”
Job 2:6
Required Reading
Devotional
One character we haven't discussed much in detail since the start of this study is Satan.
Who is he? Where did he come from? What is he capable of?
This won't be the last time we come across Satan so it's probably a good idea to get a quick overview before touching on one specific observation from today's reading.
Who is he? Where did he come from? What is he capable of?
This won't be the last time we come across Satan so it's probably a good idea to get a quick overview before touching on one specific observation from today's reading.
Got that? Good.
Today I want to focus on something not mentioned in the video but observed in Job and that's Satan's power. There is a critical truth we must understand about Satan's abilities that I want us to reflect on today.
These first two chapters of Job show us that Satan can only operate under the authority of God. If you notice, in both chapters 1 and 2, Satan can only do to Job what God has allowed. In chapter 1, he couldn't harm Job's body.
And when Satan doesn't think that's enough, God gives him permission to harm his body but spare his life.
This shows that Satan's ability will always be limited by the boundaries God puts in place.
Now, I know what you may be thinking, "If Satan can only operate under God's authority, why doesn't God just prevent him from causing harm to humanity?" And honestly, that's a valid question. In our minds, if we have the ability to protect our loved ones from danger, we absolutely would do so. So it doesn't make a lot of sense that God has the ability to protect us from danger but chooses not to on occasion.
Well, put a pin in that thought as we'll cover it over the next few weeks as Job, his friends and God all converse about the situation. Today, take time to reflect on the significance of Satan's limited power and ability. Ask God to reveal to you His truth and equip you with the evidence to support it for both yourself, and for others you know.
Today I want to focus on something not mentioned in the video but observed in Job and that's Satan's power. There is a critical truth we must understand about Satan's abilities that I want us to reflect on today.
These first two chapters of Job show us that Satan can only operate under the authority of God. If you notice, in both chapters 1 and 2, Satan can only do to Job what God has allowed. In chapter 1, he couldn't harm Job's body.
“Very well,” the Lord told Satan, “everything he owns is in your power. However, do not lay a hand on Job himself.” So Satan left the Lord’s presence. -Job 1:12
And when Satan doesn't think that's enough, God gives him permission to harm his body but spare his life.
“Very well,” the Lord told Satan, “he is in your power; only spare his life.” -Job 2:6
This shows that Satan's ability will always be limited by the boundaries God puts in place.
Now, I know what you may be thinking, "If Satan can only operate under God's authority, why doesn't God just prevent him from causing harm to humanity?" And honestly, that's a valid question. In our minds, if we have the ability to protect our loved ones from danger, we absolutely would do so. So it doesn't make a lot of sense that God has the ability to protect us from danger but chooses not to on occasion.
Well, put a pin in that thought as we'll cover it over the next few weeks as Job, his friends and God all converse about the situation. Today, take time to reflect on the significance of Satan's limited power and ability. Ask God to reveal to you His truth and equip you with the evidence to support it for both yourself, and for others you know.
Reflection Questions
- Why is it significant that Satan's ability is limited?
- Why do you think God allows Satan to inflict suffering on humanity?
- Looking at the story of Job, who do you think is more responsible for the suffering Job endured, God or Satan? Why?
Go Deeper
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Recommended Videos (Job 1-3)
VIBEZ Daily Podcast
The Bible Project
The Book of Job
Eyewitness Bible
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