Purifying Children

Job 1-4

“[Job] had seven sons and three daughters. When these celebrations ended…Job would purify his children. He would get up early in the morning and offer a burnt offering for each of them. For Job said to himself, ‘Perhaps my children have sinned and have cursed God in their hearts.’ This was Job’s regular practice.” Job‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬, ‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Interesting. I’ve read through Job several times, and never has this part jumped out at me. Job had a regular practice of purifying his children because he was concerned they may have sinned in their hearts while being out in the world partying. Did Job do this because he respected/feared the Lord? Or because he knew how evil and conniving the devil was/is? As we read how strongly the devil attacks Job in his efforts to destroy him, I’m guessing the answer is both.

Then there are texts. They hit really close to home:

“…reach out and take away his health, and he will surely curse You to Your face!”

“All right, do with him as you please,” the Lord said to Satan. “But spare his life.” Job‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I will never forget standing in the shower with Covid, begging God to spare my life as I struggled to breathe. At the same time, I told the devil, “I will not curse God! Take your best shot, but I will not curse God’s name.” The devil is ruthless.