Job 2:6-10 And the LORD said to Satan, Behold, he is in your hand; but save his life.… I. BECAUSE IT IS GOOD IN ITSELF. Everything of inherent worth is worthy of preservation, even apart from the idea of utility. The jewel, though it be seldom worn as an ornament, must be carefully kept. So faith in the unseen, a reverent trust in God and fervent piety, had given a jewel-like beauty and value to the character of Job. Hence it must be spared. II. BECAUSE IT IS USEFUL TO SOCIETY. There are many things useful to society. Genius, and the honest pursuit of commercial enterprise, aid the common good of men. But nothing is more beneficial to society than true moral character. Men like Job are the strength, hope, and inspiration of the race. Remove them, and social life becomes dark, cold, and barren. Society has need to pray for the longevity of good men. III. BECAUSE IT SHALL BE A PATTERN TO AFTER GENERATIONS. The Bible is a pattern book of moral life. It is not only a book of cold precepts, but of sympathetic lives. Men need patterns in every sphere of work — in the mechanical and architectural, as well as in the moral. Many a man has become an artist through looking at a beautiful picture. While gazing upon it, the fires of genius have kindled within him. So the lives of men like Job have awakened the desire for piety within many a heart. IV. BECAUSE THE DEVIL WOULD ONLY HAVE LIKED TO PUT AN END TO IT. Could he have killed Job, he would have put out the best light of the times; have plucked the richest blossom of the season. But God would not allow this. He had to expend more discipline on Job yet. God has more love for His people than to let the devil do whet he likes with them. The power of Satan is limited, but fearful enough as it is. Are you afflicted? God watches you. Fear not! V. ARE OUR LIVES WORTH SAVING? (J. S. Exell, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.WEB: Yahweh said to Satan, "Behold, he is in your hand. Only spare his life." |
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