Job 1:6-7 – God is in control

In these verses we see a shift in scene. Angels referred to as “sons of God” gathered before God for a meeting. There is no mention of the location of the meeting. It is believed that the meeting took place in heaven. Though we do not know the exact place of the gathering, we can guess the reason for the gathering. Being angels, they were created to minister to God’s people and they are required to give an account for their work periodically. Know this: that our Sovereign God is in control of everything that goes on in the universe. That being so, He requires His ministers to give an account for their assignments to Him. Just as the angels were required to give an account to God too. We His people called into the Kingdom’s work, must be responsible, for we will have to give an account for our ministry and stewardship ultimately. Knowing that it’s God we are accountable to will help us to be more responsible in our assignments.

Verse 6 and 7 tell us that Satan was also present at the gathering of God’s angels but we are not told why he was needed there. But his presence there suggests to us that he too had to submit to God. The conversation he has with God tells us that he does not have the right to do whatever he wills. And for him to do anything, especially things he wants to hurl at God’s people, permission had to be granted by God. This is heartening because it tells us that he cannot attack us at random without seeking God’s approval. It’s good to be aware that He knows everything that we have to encounter from Satan.

From verse 7 we know that Satan, the mischief maker roams the earth. The Apostle Peter in 1 Peter 5:8 warns us, “Be sober spirit and be on alert, for your (our) adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.” He roams the earth to create chaos for mankind. He still creates havoc and brings misery to everyone, especially the people of God. Satan has no power to overcome God, so his target would be people made in the image of God, especially those who love God and are seriously serving Him. There are people who do not think that we should attribute all the evil in this world to the work of Satan. The reason is obvious. It’s because this chief culprit of men’s misery operates in the realm not visible to our naked eye. Though he roams the earth, he exists in the unseen realm of the dark. We can see his intention clearly when we see what he did to Job. But we can take heart that God is in control and nothing can happen to us without His knowledge. The best course of action while we are on earth is to trust God implicitly, follow Him closely and serve Him diligently.