We are introduced to a man named Job. This man had great wealth and possessions. His prized treasure was his family. Seven sons and three daughters graced his household. They were a seemingly close family that would celebrate together and worship together. Job was very careful in his worship; his desire was to maintain a right relationship with the God he served.
Job and his family caught the attention of Satan. God asks Satan if he has noticed Job; and the response is that Job only serves because of the great blessings bestowed upon him. Satan posits that if Job were to experience the loss of his wealth, his attitude of worship would change as quickly. God gives Satan permission to remove anything from Job except his life. Soon Job experiences the loss of his cattle, his flocks, his servants and his children - all in one day. Job responds quickly ... with praise to God. In fact, the Bible records that in all Job said and thought in response, he "did not sin or charge God with wrong."
God asks Satan for Job's response (knowing full well what it was). Satan responds that God is still too kind to Job; he will curse God if his own health is disrupted. God again gives Satan permission to affect Job, but will not allow him to kill this servant. Job is soon covered in boils and sores; yet does not accuse God of wrongdoing in the process.
Job is also rich in friends. Three of these close associates come to comfort their suffering friend. Upon reaching his home, they hardly recognize the former wealthy landowner for all that has happened to him. They mourn with him in silence for a full week.
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