Yes, Satan actually talks in the Book of Job!

In both chapters one and two.

And looks like he keeps other people talking for him throughout the rest of the Book, until chapter 38 anyway!

And, except for his conversations in the Book of Genesis (the Garden of Eden), these two Jobian dialogues with God are second-in-line (historically) to anything else the Devil may have said in all the Bible!

By studying his wicked strategy, both in Genesis and in Job … we can better appreciate Paul’s words in 2nd Corinthians 2:11. “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” The noun “devices” used here translates “noema,” a Greek word meaning “thoughts!” The very “mind” of Satan!

I am particularly interested in Job chapter 2 today.

There the Devil speaks for a second time, with intensity.

He doubts Job would ever stay true to God … should he lose his health! Should he be threatened with death! Satan’s words: “And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.” Job 2:4

Job, the Devil is sure, will give up his God and his faith in that God … before he would ever lose his life serving that God! No man or woman would pay such a price, would love their God that much! So believed the Devil.

Yet Job had just recently lost his ten children, his seven thousand sheep, his three thousand camels, really all his livestock (oxen and donkeys too) via catastrophe … and kept loving God!

“Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.”

But that’s a lie!

Many a Christian has given his or her “all” for Jesus’ Sake!

This verse comes to mind: “They loved not their lives unto the death.” This is speaking of the many martyrs who will die for the Lord during the days ahead. Revelation 12:11, a context that includes the Devil, by the way, his final expulsion from Heaven!

Wow, God had the last word here, didn’t He?

And even Job himself, though he did not know what Satan had said about him, avowed: “Though He (the Lord God) slay me, yet will I trust in Him.” Job 13:15

There will be Christians today who will die for their faith. One Mission Agency says nearly 400 a day are giving their lives for Jesus, in 2016 I mean.

Believers who will love Jesus more than their own lives!

Yes, the Devil is wrong.

And not very observant either!

God has always been impressed, thrilled, with faith in the lives of His little children.

Genuine faith.

Long-lasting faith.

Persevering faith.

“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Revelation 2:10

“Faithful unto death.”

Take that, Devil.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell