Many know the Book of Job as a book about suffering. Many sermons about how a Christian should endure suffering have been written, based in part upon this book.
The story didn’t start out that way, of course. In fact, there is something very telling in the beginning of the book. Not only is it a book about a man who dealt with adversity, but it is also a book about a man who dealt with prosperity.
4And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.
5And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually. (Job 1:4-5, King James Version)
You ever notice? What did Satan say about Job if his possessions were taken away?
11But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. (Job 1:11, King James Version)
Satan claimed Job would curse God if his possessions were taken from him. Job sacrificed because he feared his children may have cursed God. However, Job’s sons and daughters were well off. Why would they have cursed God?
Did Job know something about human nature?
7Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die:
8Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:
9Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain. (Proverbs 30:7-9, King James Version)
11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes,
but a poor man who has discernment sees through him.
Often, we think “If only they had enough money…”, “If only they had better eduction…” Yet, the reality is that prosperity neither creates nor affirms righteousness.