While the Book of Job teaches us much about human suffering, we also learn a great deal about Satan and his relationship to God. The first two chapters of Job demonstrate that although Satan is in rebellion, he is still accountable to God.

Originally an angel of God, Satan became corrupt through his own pride

 (2Pet. 2:4; Jude 6). Ever since his rebellion against God, Satan has been God's enemy as well as ours. In fact, the Hebrew word for Satan means "Adversary." In the story of Job, Satan remained true to his name by accusing Job and afflicting him with all kinds of suffering. However Satan's power is not equal to God's. Although Satan attempts to hamper God's work, he is limited by God. As much as he may wish to be a god, Satan still remains answerable to God.

In addition to being accountable to God (Job 1:6), Satan, as a created being, is finite. He is not all-powerful, and he can only be in one place at one time (Job 1:7). Therefore, his fellow fallen angels must aid him in his evil work. Of course, Satan can tempt us, but he cannot know what is in our minds or foretell our future (Job 1:9-11). Most important, he can do nothing without God's permission (Job 1:6-12). Because God actively restrains Satan Job 1:12; 2:6) and promises that He will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear (1 Cor. 10:13), we can be confident that with God's power we can overcome Satan. Although we live in a fallen world, Satan does not have free reign do to whatever evil he wishes. God is still, and always will be, sovereign.

It was Satan who planned and implemented Job's suffering. God may have allowed Satan to test Job for a time. But in His time God Himself delivered Job from suffering, restored him, and blessed him even more than before (Job 42:10). Even through Satan's evil plan, God had accomplished His good purposes. The relationship between Job and God was tested. And it withstood the test. God's love had won; Satan's accusations were answered. It was finally clear to all that God was both sovereign and compassionate. Through the experience, Job learned to appreciate God's gifts to him even more. (Job 42:1-6)

One little side note: IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST I COME AGAINST YOU AND ALL YOU STAND FOR. STAY AWAY FROM MY FRIENDS. Teri

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