“Why does Job revere and love you? Haven’t you put a hedge around him, his family, and possessions? … But if you make him suffer and take all that stuff away, he’ll curse you to your face.” (pp Job1:9–11)
Gracious Father, does the devil watch American religious TV shows? Because there’s much there to substantiate his claim that you’re a Sugar Daddy—buying the affection of your children. The so-called Prosperity Gospel isn’t the Gospel—it’s transactional, pragmatic, self-centered religion. It knows nothing about our spiritual bankruptcy and utter need for Jesus to be our perfect righteousness and primary treasure.
But as I think today about Job’s story, Satan’s charge remains current: Why do we love you, Father? What IS our motivation for worshiping you? How will we think about you the next time we suffer loss, betrayal, and pain? That, no doubt, will happen.
Abba, I want to love and worship you simply because you are God, and I am not. You created and saved me by your sovereign power and sheer grace. I’m not asking for more suffering and I’m not begrudging the many creature comforts you give me; but I am looking forward to the Day when I will sing with 100% integrity, freedom and joy:
“Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise; Thou mine inheritance, now and always. Thou and thou only, first in my heart, High King of Heaven, my treasure thou art.” (Be Thou My Vision). Thank you for securing and guaranteeing that most glorious and eternal Day.
Abba, until then take the Gospel deeper and deeper into my heart so I can affirm with all your grace-bought, beloved children: “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Ps.73:25-26). So Very Amen.
