Verse 1 tells us that Job was a man who feared God. His character was that which pleases God. Job was not a self-made man. He was a man who knew the true God and had reverence for him. In verse 2 we see that God blessed Job with a quiver full of children. He had seven sons and three daughters. God does not always bless in this way, but He did bless Job with many children.
In verse 3 we see that Job also had substance. God blessed Job with the ability of looking after his children and also of building a farm to sustain his family. We read in verse three that Job was the greatest of all the men of the east. Job conducted himself in a way that was pleasing to the Lord and he was well recognized by others.
In verse 4 we see that even though Job was a God fearing man, he could not be assured that his children would follow his lead. Children are not born fearing God. Each person needs to personally turn to God for salvation. His sons each had a day in which they feasted in their houses. We see from this that Job’s sons are grown and have their own homes. We see also that they were not fighting amongst themselves. It is assumed that their feast day was likely for their birthday or some other day to remember. Since it speaks of each son having their feast day “every one his day”, it suggests this was for their birthday. They invited their three sisters to join them in their celebrations.
In verse 5 Job could not be assured that his sons were walking in the fear of the Lord. Thus as the father, he took it upon himself to intercede for them before the Lord God. Job cared about the spiritual well being of his children. He was not a proud man. He understood that his sons might well have sinned in their feast days. They may even have cursed God in their hearts.
A wise father always keeps his feet on the ground. He does not assume that his children are beyond sinning. He does not try to justify their behaviour. He also does not shrug off the possibility that they might sin against God.
Job was not one who thought evil of his children. He was one who understood that the temptation to sin is real and unless a person walked in the fear of God, they will yield to temptation. Thus Job would seek to do his part as a God-fearing father, to intercede for his sons.
We read in verse 5 that Job did this continually for his sons. It is important for children to see the need to have a personal, living relationship with the Lord. Job demonstrated his fear of God in his actions and his words.
A godly father wants to be respected in his community. We have already seen that Job was the greatest of all the men of the east. Job had a name. He was well known. He wanted to be sure that his name could remain a good name among others. He did not want his sons to be guilty of sin and he did not want them to corrupt his good name by their actions. He had instructed them in the way they should go. He took a personal interest in the spiritual needs of his children.
Job could not take away their sins. If they sinned, they would need to take responsibility for their sin before God. Job could offer his sacrifices as a type of the prayers of the saints for others, especially for his own family. He wanted them to know God’s blessing. He did not want them to be under God’s judgment.
This is an important attitude for any godly father to have. We cannot cover for the sins of our children. We cannot be a substitute for their sins. We can pray for them and we can also remind them of the importance of a right relationship with God.
Job’s character and his testimony would soon be tested. The devil is never happy when a person knows the Lord and serves Him faithfully. Satan wants to make God look bad in the eyes of others. He does not want people to trust in God. A man like Job was a problem for the devil. A man like Job was a blessing to God. It is better to be a blessing to God and let God deal with the devil, than to be a servant of the devil and mock God’s good name and character.
Pastor Bartel