Command 3: Rejoice

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Q: Why did Job attribute the destructive deeds of Satan to the Lord by stating: “The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD” (Job 1:21)?

A: Jesus declared in the Sermon on the Mount to “rejoice and be exceeding glad” when persecution arises. Yet, in order to be thankful for our trials, we must understand that all things come from the hand of God and are designed for our good and growth of character.

Since God is the ruler over all, and nothing happens without His permission, Job was able to state, “The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD” (Job 1:21).

It was actually Satan who destroyed Job’s flocks and herds, killed his servants, and then killed his ten children. Yet, before Satan was able to do this, he had to get permission from God to do so.

Job even asked his wife, “Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?” (Job 2:10) God was pleased with this response and, after a time of trial, gave Job twice as much as was taken from him. This included ten more children and a long life to enjoy them.

The Apostle Paul also understood that even though Satan may be involved in an evil work, God has ultimate control and will use it for His purposes. Paul was given a thorn in the flesh, which he identified as the messenger of Satan. Yet, when he prayed three times for God to remove it, God explained that He had allowed it for Paul’s benefit. “He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (II Corinthians 12:9).

God uses persecution and reproach in our lives to add to the splendor of His work in and through us and to conform us to the image and character of Christ.

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This study question and answer is adapted from the Commands of Christ, Series 1, book. For further study, this book may be purchased from our Online Store.