Gods Sabbath

T HE L IFE OF J OB

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None of this was the result of Job’s own sins, nor was it the work of God, even though His cause was greatly blessed by Job’s ster ling witness. It was Satan who rapidly stripped Job of his flocks ( Job 1:13–17), his children ( Job 1:18–19), and his health ( Job 2:7–8). To pressure him further, Satan induced Job’s own wife to question his course and tempt him to turn from his allegiance to God. ( Job 2:9). “He replied, ‘You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?’ In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.” Job 2:10. Job stood as a rock in the midst of a raging storm. His words of perfect trust have been an inspiration for many who have suf fered as a result of the demands of the great controversy. “... Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The L ORD gave and the L ORD has taken away; may the name of the L ORD be praised.’” Job 1:20–21. Job passed the test brilliantly, which qualified him to receive a fresh revelation of God’s perfection and power beyond any that he had previously witnessed. In chapters 38 to 41 in the book of Job we read how God opened up the book of nature and blessed the patriarch with wonderful views of His might and His love. In response, Job saw his own nothingness in comparison to the majesty of God, and was thus enabled to take yet a further step in his spiritual development. Job’s fortitude and faithfulness in the face of suffering provid ed the human witness which confirmed God’s position and vin dicated His character. It was the means whereby the required end was achieved. This could give the appearance that the end justified the means, but can this be? No instance can ever be found where God operates by such a principle. He uses only those procedures which are right in themselves. He allows us to be afflicted by the school of life for our own edification. Our sufferings are Did the End Justify the Means?