Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Job 1:9, “So Satan answered the Lord and said, ‘Does Job fear God for nothing?'”

Background

Do you remember who the teachers’ pets were back in school? If you can, it probably conjures up with it certain feelings about them (unless it was you). Regardless of whether it was first grade or college, seeing another student get what appeared to be special treatment leaves a certain taste in our mouths that generally expresses itself in less than admirable ways. And Satan is no different in that respect. In the day when he would be granted an audience before the Lord, God asked him if he had noticed a certain someone named Job. It turns out that Job was first in his class among the entire population, and he was evidently blessed in his home and business life. Well, Satan mocks Job and his heavenly Father, saying that he only loves God so much because He gives him anything he wants. In fact, Satan says that if God will bring some trouble into Job’s life, he’ll not only struggle, but he’ll curse the Lord right to His very face.

Application

But we know the outcome of this story. After Job listens to advice and talks with God and his family and friends, he ends up right where he started – worshipping the God who deserved his praise, no matter the situation. It turns out that Job did fear God for nothing, but not the nothing that Satan thought. Job feared God because of who God was, needing nothing from Him to elicit praise and worship. Job did worship God for no reason, at least none of the reasons that Satan thought. Nothing that Job had was the master of his heart, so when it was all gone, his heart was still full. He still had the most important thing in his life. Job completely understood grace. He got it. But what do you fear God for? Why do you give Him the praise and worship that you do? Is there a trace of something sprinkled in with your worship? Can you honestly glorify Him expecting absolutely nothing in return? If not, then grace is not quite enough for you, at least not yet. You’re still trying to help God. But don’t. He doesn’t need any, and we don’t need anything else.

Charge

As we seek Him today, ask God to accept your worship for what it is: imperfect praise from an imperfect saint. Then ask Him to purify your heart and be all that you need.

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words