Daily EncouragementSample

How good an opinion the Lord has of his servants! How well he speaks of them behind their backs. So here, as he describes Job to Satan. Remember how our Lord spoke of John the Baptist: “What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? . . . A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet” (Matt. 11:7ff).

What is clear is that this confidence which God has in his servants does not exclude them from trials and suffering. Rather, the opposite is true, and the Lord is glorified as their faith is proved genuine (1 Pet. 1:6-7). Thus Satan is permitted to move against Job and John is left in Herod’s prison to await the hour of his execution.

Certain things must be remembered. Satan is always subservient to God. “Even when the Devil works his worst,” said Luther, “he remains God’s Devil.” The word of the Lord to John is significant: “Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me” (Matt. 11:6, AV). And the day will come when the Lord will vindicate his servants openly, even if that be the last day. So Paul, speaking of that day, affirms, “At that time each will receive his praise from God” (1 Cor. 4:5).