Divine Provocations: Unpacking God’s Taunting in the Book of Job

Genesis 3, 39; Mark 2; Job 2

Before I began my reading for today, I was browsing through the comments on yesterday’s post. My dear friend and devotional contributor, Marcia Thorsell, was reflecting on yesterday’s reading from Job 1. She shared this insight:

“I found something interesting as I read Job 1. For some reason, I had it in my mind that this whole ordeal with Job was Satan’s idea, but actually, it was God who initiated the challenge to Satan…look at my perfect servant Job…almost like an ‘in your face, Satan!’ And Satan then responded.

Clearly, God knew what was going to happen and that, even though his beloved Job would have to endure pain, He knew the outcome would involve restoration as well. I just thought it interesting that in the dynamic between God and Satan, God taunted first. Does that make sense?”

It does make sense! Yet, it’s not quite what we’re taught in most churches. We are often presented with a narrative where good and evil, God and the Devil, are well-matched, going tit for tat. But that’s not the story of God at all. Satan is merely a creature. Fallen, to be sure, but still just a creature. And here, in this story, we see that he is a tool of our God.

As Marcia said, it was God who threw out the taunt.

Reflecting on Marcia’s thoughts, I then started reading today’s passages. And look what I found!

Job 2:3-6
3 And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil? He still holds fast his integrity, although you incited me against him to destroy him without reason.” 4 Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Skin for skin! All that a man has he will give for his life. 5 But stretch out your hand and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse you to your face.” 6 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand; only spare his life.”

The Lord initiates the challenge again!

Building on Marcia’s revelation, we’re left to ponder the goal of God in all of this. If Satan is a tool, a chisel in the Lord’s hand, what is the Lord after in us?

Galatians 4:19-20
My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!

The goal of God is not just a better version of you in you. No!

Perhaps you are going through a time of real testing. I’ve been there, and it’s tempting to believe the lie that God is turning away or that somehow He doesn’t see. My friends, He will never leave you. He will never forsake you. Remember this:

Romans 8:38-39
38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Let this season do its perfect work. Do not fear. You are loved. And you are very much seen.

Deepening Faith: Reflective Journal Prompt

Reflect on a time when you felt like Job—tested and challenged in your faith. How did you perceive God’s role in your struggles? With the perspective that God uses trials not merely to test us but to refine us, explore how your past experiences might be seen as opportunities for growth and closer communion with God. How has your understanding of these events changed over time?

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