Following Community

God Instructs the People of God

Listening for God in Changing Times:

Respecting Community Standards

Job 2:1-9

The Message

The Second Test: Health
 1-3 One day when the angels came to report to God, Satan also showed up. God singled out Satan, saying, "And what have you been up to?" Satan answered God, "Oh, going here and there, checking things out." Then God said to Satan, "Have you noticed my friend Job? There's no one quite like him, is there—honest and true to his word, totally devoted to God and hating evil? He still has a firm grip on his integrity! You tried to trick me into destroying him, but it didn't work."

 4-5 Satan answered, "A human would do anything to save his life. But what do you think would happen if you reached down and took away his health? He'd curse you to your face, that's what."

 6 God said, "All right. Go ahead—you can do what you like with him. But mind you, don't kill him."

 7-8 Satan left God and struck Job with terrible sores. Job was ulcers and scabs from head to foot. They itched and oozed so badly that he took a piece of broken pottery to scrape himself, then went and sat on a trash heap, among the ashes.

 9 His wife said, "Still holding on to your precious integrity, are you? Curse God and be done with it!"

For Reflection
Even in you most intimate community there are those whose council, while given in good faith, seduces you into doubt and unGodly thought and deed.  Think of a time when you felt pressure to walk away from commitment to God.  Like Job, are willing to suffer for God's sake?

Pray
prayers of confession.  Seek God's forgiveness for those week moments of doubt and transgression.  Pray for His help in forming and participating in communities that reflect The Way.