“Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.” Job 1:9-11
Gracious Father, I sometimes wonder if Satan watches American religious television, because there’s a lot there to fuel his accusations… much of it could substantiate his charge that the only reason we love you is because of the goodies you give us. It’s hard not to be cynical when I sample the materialistic propaganda proffered as the gospel.
However, I must guard my heart, because as far as “creature comforts” go, I don’t have anything whine-worthy going on. I’m not currently experiencing any major challenges to my faith or the glorious claims of the gospel. I’ve got good health… none of my family members are in crisis… we’re eating and sleeping well. Nothing beyond the normal fallen-ness and brokenness of life is happening, around me or within me.
Father, I presume on none of your generous providence. I take none of your good gifts for granted. It’s only by your grace that I don’t struggle with entitlement as much as I used to. The gospel has convinced me that everything I have comes from you (1 Corinthians 4:7).
So as I think today about Job’s story, it’s not with gritted teeth or clinched fists. But Satan’s question always remains current… Why do we love you? What’s our motivation for worshipping you? How will I think about you the next time I suffer loss, betrayal and pain? That, no doubt, will happen.
I want to be a man who loves and worships you simply because you are God. You’ve created me and you’ve redeemed me through the work of your beloved Son, Jesus. There’s no other god besides you, and there’s certainly no other god like you. I’m grateful for your gifts… but I want to love and worship you, the Giver, as the primary treasure of my heart.
Cause the roots of my heart to grow deeper and deeper and deeper into the rich soil of the gospel. That is my need, that is my cry. So very Amen, I pray, in Jesus’ holy and loving name.
