Job 1:1-5 – Be God-fearing

The main character of this book is none other than Job who lived in the land of Uz. He was a contemporary of the patriarch Abraham, and was a man who was rich morally, socially, materially and spiritually. Where he was located was roughly east of Palestine. And from the discourse he gave in chapter 29, we surmised that he did not lead a nomadic life, unlike many people of Uz who led a nomadic life. 

As a person, Job had a righteous character. Verse 2 tells us that he was a blameless, upright, and God-fearing man and one who constantly turned away from evil. These are traits that everyone of us should seek to be. Nothing can be more blessed in life than be known by God and others for our godliness, blamelessness and God-fearing traits. So, let’s make possessing such traits the goal of our life. How do we become such a person? Two key things that will help us to build such a life. And they that must be our quest for as long as we live. Firstly, we must stay connected to God through constant prayer and devotion. Secondly, we must turn away from evil and worldly influences.

Job was not only a righteous man, he was also a wealthy man with a large family and plenty of livestock and servants. Verse 2 tells us that he had seven sons and three daughters. Regarding livestock, he possessed 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels and 1,000 oxen and 500 she-asses.  And he also had many servants.  Spiritually, Job was also a pious man. His piety could be seen in the way he sought not to offend God. He would do everything to ensure that any sin of his children would be atoned for, through the constant sacrifices he would offer to God on their behalf.

Fearing God is foundational to a godly life. Proverbs 1:7 tells us that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom.” And Job himself said in 28:28, “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; And to depart from evil is understanding.” Fearing God suggests that we respect Who He is and live according to what He says. As His sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father, we must show reverential love for Him and live in obedience to His Word. And when we fear and obey Him, we have nothing else to fear. For nothing can ever take us away from His love.