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February 9 Daily Devotional

Blessed be the Name of the Lord

Peter G. Feenstra

In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong. (Job 1:22)

Bible Reading

Ecclesiastes 5:8–20

Devotional

Job, like all of us, came into the world with absolutely no possessions. As death looms Job knows he cannot take any of his earthly goods with him. In this regard, the testimony of all of Scripture is the same. Psalm 49 says, “Do not be afraid when one becomes rich, when the glory of his house is increased.” The Preacher remarks in Ecclesiastes 5:15, “As he came from his mother’s womb, naked shall he return, to go as he came...” Paul writes in his letter to Timothy, “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” (1 Tim 6:7)

Without having been informed about Satan’s challenge, Job confesses God’s providence. He does not blame the Sabeans or Chaldeans. He does not complain about the foolishness of his children. Job goes straight to the source of wealth, health and life. He concedes that the LORD who gave him children and possessions has permitted them to be taken away.

The devil’s dearest wish was to hear Job say, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away and that’s why I am angry with Him. Cursed be the name of the Lord.” Instead of cursing, Job blesses. By blessing the name of the Lord, Job acknowledges that the ways of the Lord are just and good. Speaking the language of faith, Job recognizes that everything is a gift of grace. The LORD, the God of the covenant, gave him wealth, riches and a large family. The same God who gives is fully entitled to take back what He has given, without having to offer an explanation. Our health is granted to us so that we use it in His service. Children are given to us on loan. In our prayers and in our daily routines we are to acknowledge the Lord as the Giver of all that we have.

Job’s confession and response is the result of God working in his heart. This same God empowers us to bless His name and to praise Him even when tears of sorrow roll down our cheeks. Job can proclaim, “Blessed be the name of the Lord,” because Christ will exclaim, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” Jesus lost everything, even communion with His Father, in order that we might receive everything in Him. All that the LORD has given to us in Christ will never be taken from us. Blessed be the name of the Lord!

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