I have been reflecting on the Book of Job lately, God believes Job is good and Satan, not a renegade but an angel in this tale, suggests that this is only because God is good to him, so God permits Job to be afflicted with suffering by Satan, Job is still faithful, then Satan says well you didnt allow me to hurt him directly, then Satan is permitted to hurt him directly and while Job questions he remains faithful. God is finally angry at what Satan has led him to permit to happen to his follower.
Now, its a bit surprising to see a story in which God is "duped" by Satan and I know that there's more than one source which suggests it is an allegorical story.
However what I think is the best aspect of the story altogether is the idea that Job is not a "Fair Weather Friend", I dont know if there are that many people who I know what will stick with others when the going gets as tough as described in that particular story, with anyone, let alone their relationship with God. Its not false modesty to include myself in that camp either.
What does anyone else think?
Now, its a bit surprising to see a story in which God is "duped" by Satan and I know that there's more than one source which suggests it is an allegorical story.
However what I think is the best aspect of the story altogether is the idea that Job is not a "Fair Weather Friend", I dont know if there are that many people who I know what will stick with others when the going gets as tough as described in that particular story, with anyone, let alone their relationship with God. Its not false modesty to include myself in that camp either.
What does anyone else think?