This is a test of the Emergency Broadcast System. If this had been an actual emergency…
Do you remember this? Every so often there would be this high-pitched tone come across the television invariably during my favorite program to warn everyone the siren they just heard was just a test. There was no cause for alarm because there was no emergency. Had there been an actual emergency there would have been some kind of instruction come across the screen.
In Job 1 and 2, we see Satan gives Job 2 tests, but personally, if I was Job, I’d call them emergencies.
Satan’s plan of attack:
· Recognizant:
o He observes, watches and takes a similar form as his victim. – “From roaming through the earth,” Satan answered Him, “and walking around on it.” Job 1:7, 2:2
o He takes note of what God has done for his victim. Haven’t You placed a hedge around him, his household, and everything he owns? Job 1:10
o He notices God’s protection.
· Presents his case:
o Satan goes before the Lord two times. When the first plan of attack did not get the desired results, he tried again.
§ Attack 1 – take away God’s blessings
§ Attack 2 – take away Job’s health
§ Residual effect of Satan’s work – a defeated wife and pompous, self-righteous friends thinking they speak for God
o Satan stays within the parameters God has place but isn’t satisfied with Job’s reaction and choices. Satan wants his glory.
o Satan presents psychology to God – Skin for skin. A man will give up everything he owns in exchange for his life. Job 2:4
· Outcome:
o Job did not sin. Job 1:22, 2:10: GOD – 1, Satan – 0
o Job became destitute losing all of his children, servants, blessings, home, but he didn’t lose his faith. GOD – 2, Satan – 0
o Job suffers excruciating pain and physical illness but does not sin. GOD – 3, Satan – 0
o Job’s wife is defeated, and his “friends” bring additional hurt, but Job spoke truth about God. GOD – 4, Satan – 0
o God reveals Himself to Job. Job – 1, Satan – 0
o Job’s relationship with God becomes deeper and richer as a result. Job –2, Satan – 0
o Job’s friends had to apologize and provide a burnt offering to Job and request Job pray on their behalf. Job – 3, Satan – 0
o God restores Job and doubles his original blessing. Job – 4, God – 5, Satan – 0
Not that any one’s life is a game, but I wanted to show you who is defeated. It’s not the one who is tested. It’s not the One who allows the test. It’s the one testing.
If you are being sifted like wheat by Satan right now, know this. He is going to lose. If you don’t believe so, read Revelations.
So if you feel as if your life resembled the commercial for the Emergency Broadcast System, know these two things:
· If you are being tested, know it is not the end. This was a season in Job’s life. It didn’t last forever.
· If you are enduring an emergency, you have a place to find instructions – the Word of God.