The Book of Job teaches us that Satan is relentless in his efforts to capture men (1:7; 2:2). Peter added that Satan is constantly looking for men to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Paul indicated that he knew Satan employed a number of different devices to discourage and hold back the progress of the church (2 Corinthians 2:11). The devil sends wolves from outside to destroy God’s flock by false teaching and employs even some church leaders to teach false doctrine and draw sheep away from the truth (Acts 20:28-31; 2 Timothy 4:3-5). He also uses division into groups following after men instead of the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:10-13).
Job also teaches us that human philosophy falls short (16:2-3). The prophet Jeremiah penned that man does not have the wisdom to direct his own steps (Jeremiah 10:23). It is God’s wisdom that can teach us to do good works and set us on the path to perfection (1 Corinthians 2:6-13; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Therefore, Paul would have us to cast down human wisdom and pride (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Total trust should be placed in God, as Job further demonstrates (42:1-6). The wise man of old would also instruct us to rely on God (Proverbs 3:5-7). Likewise, David, the singer of Israel, pointed to God for strength (Psalm 33:8-12). No wonder Paul asked the rhetorical question, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).
The greatest lesson in the Book of Job is that all of life’s most perplexing questions are answered in Jesus Christ. Job desired an umpire between himself and God (23:3; 9:33). We know that Jesus provides for that need (1 Timothy 2:5; 1 John 2:1; Hebrews 4:14-16). Job wondered if there was life beyond the grave (14:14). Jesus has shown us that there is a resurrection by His teaching and by overcoming the tomb (John 11:25-26; 14:1-6; 1 Corinthians 15:1-26; Colossians 3:4). Like all of us, Job desired a place of rest (Matthew 11:28-30; Hebrews 4:1-11). Heaven is a place that will free us from all of this life’s worries and cares, sorrows and pains (Revelation 21:4-7).
[Editor’s Note: The Book of Job is one resource from which especially the child of God can discern many important biblical principles. It is just one of the 66 books of the Bible, which is the God-given human operator’s manual as well as the roadmap to Heaven. Don’t be like the proud new owner of some device requiring user assembly who opted to put it together without consulting the instructions. Then, when it didn’t work and unused parts remained after assembly, he read the instructions. Read the instructions for life (the Bible) and follow the roadmap to Heaven! ~ Louis Rushmore, Editor]
