Do We Fear God For Nothing?

-January 31, 2023-

Good morning, happy Tuesday,

“So Satan answered the Lord and said, ‘Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!’”

(Job 1:9-11).

When I was growing up we used an expression, “Teacher’s Pet.” It meant that the teacher liked and favored a certain student above the rest. He or she was well behaved and excelled academically. The other kids were jealous and envious. Job was a godly man and the Lord was proud of him. Job 1:1 describes him, “There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.” God used these words to Satan to point him out as His servant. He was a godly man, husband, father, and leader in his community.

Satan our adversary couldn’t take it; he had to discredit Job and thus make God look bad in the process. He asked the Lord, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Satan is the accuser of the brethren. He gives Job no props, no kudos for fearing God. He claims that Job only fears God because God protects him (made a hedge around him, his household, and all that he has); and blessed the work of his hands and prospered him. The challenge is now on. God allowed Satan to buffet him.

Do we fear God for nothing or do we just fear Him and honor Him when times are good, pleasant, and easy? What if we suffer, face sorrow or tragedy, persecution, great pain, or a terminal illness? Do we say, “I’m out of here. This happened in John chapter 6. There were those who were disciples, who upon hearing His strong words that one must eat of His flesh and drink of His blood, left Jesus, and walked no more with Him. He wasn’t speaking literally but figuratively and spiritually. Following Christ requires a total commitment. A true believer will follow Him no matter what.

John 6:66-68 says, “From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Then Jesus said to the twelve, ‘Do you also want to go away?’ But Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’” Satan continues his old tricks on us, but we do not fear God for nothing. Jesus is the truth and speaks the truth. Let us follow Him for who He is, not just what He has done or does for us. If we lose everything and have nothing left but Christ, we still have everything and all we need in Him.

Have a blessed day fearing the Lord and walking with Him in good times and bad. True commitment to Christ is nothing less than total commitment. Stay safe and healthy.

Fearing God at all times, with full commitment to Christ,

Dean