There once was a man named Job

 ¹ There once was a man named Job who lived in the land of Uz. He was blameless—a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil. ² He had seven sons and three daughters. ³ He owned 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 teams of oxen, and 500 female donkeys. He also had many servants. He was, in fact, the richest person in that entire area.  Job 1:1-3

Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous! 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, etc. That does not sound like much to us. We read he was, in fact, the richest person in the entire area. Maybe today we would see it as something like this:

⁴ Job’s sons would take turns preparing feasts in their homes, and they would also invite their three sisters to celebrate with them. ⁵ When these celebrations ended—sometimes after several days—Job would purify his children. He would get up early in the morning and offer a burnt offering for each of them. For Job said to himself, “Perhaps my children have sinned and have cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular practice.     Job 1:4-5

Rich kids! Meanwhile the kids throw parties! But Job, the dad that did all of the work to create the lifestyle that the family enjoyed lavishly, would even offer sacrifices for their sins. That cost him livestock he worked to build. Maybe we could compare that to a father now days paying for everything the kids tore up, bailing them out of jail, etc.

13 days of Job! I wanted us to get a good picture of where the story started.

So life is good…..kid’s are having parties like Rock Stars! But Satan gets permission to rock Job’s world.

 ⁹ Satan replied to the LORD, “Yes, but Job has good reason to fear God. ¹⁰ You have always put a wall of protection around him and his home and his property. You have made him prosper in everything he does. Look how rich he is! ¹¹ But reach out and take away everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face!”
 ¹² “All right, you may test him,” the LORD said to Satan. “Do whatever you want with everything he possesses, but don’t harm him physically.” So Satan left the LORD’s presence.
 ¹³ One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting at the oldest brother’s house, ¹⁴ a messenger arrived at Job’s home with this news: “Your oxen were plowing, with the donkeys feeding beside them, ¹⁵ when the Sabeans raided us. They stole all the animals and killed all the farmhands. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.”
 ¹⁶ While he was still speaking, another messenger arrived with this news: “The fire of God has fallen from heaven and burned up your sheep and all the shepherds. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.”
 ¹⁷ While he was still speaking, a third messenger arrived with this news: “Three bands of Chaldean raiders have stolen your camels and killed your servants. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.”
 ¹⁸ While he was still speaking, another messenger arrived with this news: “Your sons and daughters were feasting in their oldest brother’s home. ¹⁹ Suddenly, a powerful wind swept in from the wilderness and hit the house on all sides. The house collapsed, and all your children are dead. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.”  Job 1:9-19


Bet Job did not see that coming. There is so much we could discuss. Would you be prepared to lose it all like Job. Read on how he responds in today’s readings.

Today’s readings:

Job 1:1-4:21