Job Well Done!

Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself” Franklin D Roosevelt.

When we are driven by fear, we tend to adopt habits and sometimes religious rituals that we think will protect us. In every society there exists superstitions and rituals that gives a "cloak of protection from evil". I'm not disputing the existence of evil by any means. However, its easy for the church to find itself mired in these superstitions.

Job in the Old Testament was fearful that his children may be involved in sin, so he often found himself offering sacrifices, 'just in case".

If you would read with me Job 1:5 (KJV)

And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered 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 did Job continually.

Thus did Job continually! Hmmm! Now, from the surface it looks like Job is a great "man of God" who's doing his part to make sure his family is in line with God. However, Job was simply occupied with fear. He was fearful that his children "may have" cursed God; even though there's nothing to indicate that they did. What motivates you? Are you like Job motivated by fear? Don't get me wrong, Job was indeed a man of God. But the fact is, he was also driven by fear. If you proceed to chapter 3 you'll see what was going on in Job's mind.

For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came. Job 3:25-26 NKJV

Ah! Job finally spoke out his heart. It was fear that was driving his "seeming devotion". Again, I'm sure there were other times where fear wasn't the factor. So why did God hand him over to Satan? Did God really do that? I'm sure you've heard many sermons where "God handed over Job for his glory" was the theme. But a quick look at Job 2:6 should clarify the facts:

And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in your hand; but spare his life. KJV

The scripture says "he is in your hand". God is simply stating the fact. He doesn't say "I hand him over to you, or I give him into your hand". That is just a declaration of fact. But it is so obvious that Job has placed himself in Satan's hands by the fear in his heart. Job had fear. If Job had faith, there would be no room for fear. Faith comes by hearing - and so does fear. If you occupied yourself with bad news, you won't need lessons in fear; FEAR COMETH! So Job couldn't rest secure in God's ability and protection. He didn't allow his knowledge of God to stand in the way of his fear. Instead, he engaged himself in rituals and ceremonies to suppress his fear. I wonder how many christians go to church, conferences, pray and give offerings motivated by fear! Let love be your motivation. When we allow God's love to flood our hearts, He will set us free from all "religious cloaks and rituals", and set us free. And if the Son sets you free, you are free from any burdens (burdens of self-righteousness and religion). God is saying to you "well done my faithful son" because you are in Christ. Ephesians 1:6 KJV says:

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

The Greek word translated "accepted" is the same word in Luke 1:28 (KJV) "highly favored", where the Angel spoke to Mary. You are highly favored my friend. Its not your prayer, or sacrifices that made that possible. God's perception of you is exactly how He sees Christ. And therefore, he says this:

You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Mark 1:11 AKJV