Monday, December 21, 2009

Why Bad Things Happen to Good People by Pastor Myles McPherson of the Rock Church, San Diego

* Job was blameless and upright and shunned evil (v. 1)
* God Himself admired the faithful qualities of Job's character (v. 8)
* Job had a large family of ten children (and as Miles interpreted, Job and his wife got along well) (v. 2)
* Job was a wealthy man (v. 3)
* Job's family members spent time together regularly, and thus probably had close-knit relationships (v. 4)


Read Job 1:1-2:1

1. Good people regularly pray for others.


So it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, "It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts." Thus Job did regularly. Job 1:5

Part of Job's faithfulness included the habitual practice of interceding on behalf of his loved ones. We can learn from this, too, by praying for our family and friends regularly

2. Good people live constantly accused by Satan.


Satan wants to destroy the relationship that each of us has with God.

In verse 6, there takes place what Miles explained as something of a board meeting with God-and Satan shows up, too. During this interaction, God and Satan discuss Job and his faithfulness. Satan claims that Job only praises God because his life has been blessed, but that once his blessings are removed, Job will curse God (v. 9-11).

Satan wants to destroy the relationship that each of us has with God. That is his priority and his purpose: to rally as many people against God as he can. This is important for us to know because our faith isn't tested when things are good, when we have money, time and luxuries. Our faith is tested when things don't go our way. What happens when things don't go your way? Do you curse God?

God tells Satan not to lay a hand on Job, but that everything else in Job's life is fair game (v. 12). After this, a messenger suddenly comes to tell Job him that oxen and donkeys have been raided and all of his servants but one have been killed (v. 14-15). Next, another messenger comes to tell Job that his sheep and the servants tending them have all died (v. 16). Following this, Job loses his camels; the last of his wealth, and more servants (v. 17). As if this is not enough, another messenger then relays that all of Job's children have died (v. 18-19).

Have you ever wondered why bad things happen all at once? In Job's case, the devil's purpose is to push Job to the breaking point, so that he will finally renounce God.

3. Good people accept the good and the bad from God.


In only a few minutes, Job has lost everything. What is his response?

Life is not often fair, but God has a plan and a purpose for you. If you trust God, He will do miracles.

"…The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord." In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong. Job 1:21-22

Have you ever asked God, "Why? Why did You let this happen? Why did You allow this to be?" God will tell us to wait and see the whole story.

Check out the dynamic Myles McPherson, Pastor of The Rock Church, San Diego
(former San Diego Charger)

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