Satan and Job
By Thomas E. Kittrell
September 15, 2010
Introduction to the following poem:
The following imaginary conversation between Job and Satan is not in any way to be taken literally, for it is a way I am using to express my belief that Satan had been tempting Job, trying to get him to sin against God, appealing to Job’s pride. I believe having failed in his attempts, Satan approached God to complain to God that He had been protecting Job too much. I think the Scripture points to this, as Satan challenged God to take away all of Job’s prosperity, health, and family as proof that Job would crumble. How do you see it? Do you think Satan was seeking any way possible to get Job to fail, especially by hitting him when Job was at a low point in life? Has Satan come at you, reader, when all was well and then when all was not well? Do you see the lesson from the book of Job that says we are to praise God and lean on Him in any circumstances? As stated at the beginning of the introduction to this poem, the following conversation is a product of my imagination, up to the point where God asked Satan if he had considered His servant Job. That part is real and recorded in the Bible. Read and study the book of Job.
“Just look at all you have achieved!” Satan said to Job.
“Aren’t you so proud of yourself and your accomplishments?”
“I cannot take the credit for all my blessings,” responded Job.
“You know that all I have is a gift from my Heavenly Father”
“Yes, but Job, you have put in a lot of time and effort,” Satan replied.
“It was by the sweat of your brow you have all this, don’t you know?”
Job shook his head and replied, “God has given me my health.”
“He has given me the strength to work and He has blessed me.”
Satan was not through. “You have raised fine sons and daughters.”
“They are that way because they came from your genes for sure.”
“Oh no,” replied Job, “I raised them to fear the Lord Almighty.”
“That is why they have not followed the ways of the world.”
“Well”, answered Job in despair, “you have all you need in life.”
“Why don’t you just take life easy and do some partying?”
“You don’t need God anymore, you have become independent.”
“So why don’t you drop this religion thing and have some fun?”
“The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away,” replied godly Job.
“All I have I owe to Him, and I must be a good steward of it all.”
“I pray for my sons and my daughters each and every day.”
“I will live my life as an example for them to follow when I’m gone.”
After Satan had tired of tempting Job to sin, and he had become
Very exasperated over his failure to turn Job from God to sin,
He then approached God to accuse the Almighty of too much
Protection over Job, spoiling him with prosperity and ease.
God was watching Satan’s attempts to weaken Job with temptation.
And God was pleased with Job’s faith and obedience through it all.
As Satan stood before God, with a look of defeat and frustration,
God reminded Satan of His servant Job and his steadfastness.
It is here the story is taken up, to be recorded in God’s Word.
For the Creator knew where Satan had been and what he had done.
He put forth this question to him, “Have you considered my servant Job?”
Oh, that we would find such favor with God, to be His example!
Read more articles by Thomas Kittrell or search for articles on the same topic or others.
Job was the topic of conversation this morning as part of our daily devotion so it was great to them come and find this piece that can add to the conversation later. I love the way this piece is written and I can see it being performed on stage. Giving me an idea for my Sunday school class. Thanks for sharing. I have read this and heard sermons on it before but I never before connected it with 'pride' -- You always get something new when you re-read. One can never have enough of the bible. I also saw the highlight of 'praise' which confirms your point of satan apealing to Job's pride. When we give God His due praise then we win the battle over pride. We can do nothing of ourselves--only by God's favour. Thanks again for sharing and I look forward to learning more from you as God continues to pour out His blessings on us through you.
We are tempted by Satan, but the decision is ours as t what we will do.Sadly, we choose the wrong thing lots of times, (speaking from experience).When I feel strong in the Lord over and over again I have been tempted and regretfully I have fallen quite a few times.I am so glad that Jesus loved me enough to forgive me, chasten me and help me when people would not.Praise the name of Jesus!!!!
