Prayer Reading: Job 2:1-6. Meditation In Job 1 we began to see that Satan has the power to inflict suffering on God’s people. We saw another angle on this in Ephesians 6, which says that, as Christians, we are engaged in a conflict with the forces of darkness. The Christian life is, in one sense, a spiritual struggle against these demonic forces. And in Job 2, we begin to gain some deeper insights into how this struggle works, and the causes of the suffering that come out of it. Now, I made the point previously that Hollywood seems to have a tendency, in horror movies—which I recommend you avoid—of portraying demonic forces by using images of monsters and deformities and the like. In other words, horror movies tend to portray demonic activity using physical manifestations and creepy imagery. When measured up to reality, however, we see that the power of the enemy isn’t about creepy monsters turning up in dark places. No. Horror movies, in that sense, are very misleading. The main power of Satan and his demons has always been lies. True, as we’ve seen in chapter one, Satan is permitted, at times, to use physical second causes as a means of attack. But, as Scripture says, he is the “father of lies” (Jn 8:44). It was a lie that undid Adam and Eve, and it is by lies that he continues to exercise dominion and slavery over the fallen human race. So let’s get this straight: lies are Satan’s main tool. It will be helpful to keep this in mind. We see this abundantly displayed in our passage: “Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them to present himself before the Lord. And the Lord said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” (Job 2:1-2). Now pay attention to Satan’s response. It’s evasive and deceptive. He should have said, “I have been persecuting Job with malicious hatred, and my accusation against him—that he only loved you because he was blessed—was a lie.” That’s what he should have said. He says nothing of the sort. He’s attempting even to lie to God! So when you think of demonic activities, don’t think of creepy, mutated monsters in dark sewers. Think of lies. Life-destroying lies. When someone talks about the spiritual realm, what comes to mind? Well, one thing you should think about is this: Lies are a point where spiritual and physical reality intersects. It’s the same with truth, only truth is an intersection between God and the physical world. Lies are an intersection between Satan and the physical world. In other words, words themselves are actually incredibly potent. Words are spiritually powerful. As the book of Proverbs says, life and death—which are spiritual realities—are in the power of the tongue. So Satan uses lies to entice us to sin. Be ye doers of the word... Cling to the Truth. That’s our application for this passage. Now, to be clear: God is truth, which is why Satan’s lies have no effect on him whatsoever. Satan is evasive in verse two, as we’ve seen, and does not admit to his lies and failure. God, in verse 3, is not sucked in. He simply points out Satan’s lies and failure. “And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil? He still holds fast his integrity, although you incited me against him to destroy him without reason.” I love this! God simply calls out Satan on his lie. Of course, no lie of Satan could ever have any effect upon God! It’s simply not possible. For us, however, we must remember that we are vulnerable. You remember in Ephesians 6. What was the first thing in the armour of God that we need to put on? The belt of truth! In other words, the number one defence against Satan in spiritual warfare is truth. What is truth? As Jesus says, “Your word is truth.” To put on truth, therefore, means that we constantly gird our minds with the word of God. We live, not by bread, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. We must cling to God’s word. Feed on God’s word. Rest on God’s word. Hide in God’s word. The moment we stop meditating on the word of God, we are vulnerable to Satan’s lies. Are you reading your Bible? Are you meditating on it? Without it, you will be like a lamb fighting a wolf. Satan will tear you apart. Job was anchored in the truth, and that’s why Satan failed with him. My brothers and sisters in Christ, cling to the truth of the Word of God. Buy the truth, and sell it not. Be in the Word, and let Christ’s Word dwell richly in you. SDG. Prayer of Confession & Consecration Get full access to Old things New. at rcbhpastor.substack.com/subscribe