- THERE lived in Arabia a very rich man named
Job. He loved God and avoided sin. He had seven sons and three
daughters. He had thousands of sheep and cattle. One day God wished
to prove the goodness of Job to Satan who said that it was easy
for Job to be good because he was rich.
- God
said to Satan, "You can do what you want to Job's property,
but do not hurt his body. You shall see how he will remain faithful
to Me." Soon after, a messenger arrived
before Job to tell him that his cattle had been stolen and all
his servants slain. Another messenger told him that, his sheep
and shepherds had been struck by lightning. A third messenger
came to say that his camels and those who took care of them had
been killed.
- The
fourth messenger brought the worst news: "There came a strong
wind from the desert. It shook the whole house. The house fell
and killed all your sons and daughters. I alone escaped to tell
you." When Job
heard all this, he was filled with great sorrow. He did not sin
by blaming God, but prayed, "The Lord gave, and the Lord
has taken away! Blessed be the Name of the Lord!"
- Satan
caused sores to break out, all over Job's body. But Job did not
complain. His friends said that his trials must be a punishment
for his sins. But he answered that he had done no wrong. Job said,
"Although He should kill me, I will trust in Him. He shall
be my Savior. For I know that my Redeemer lives, and in the last
day I shall rise out of the earth, and in my flesh I shall see
my God."
- God
was much pleased with the patience of Job. He freed him from his
sufferings. He gave him even more riches than he had had before.
God also gave him seven sons and three daughters. Job lived happily
till he was one hundred and forty years old.
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