Rules of Engagement    

   Our world is a theater, what some scholars call "the divine council." 
We don't write the script. 

   In this council, Satan questions God's character as he questioned Job, indirectly accusing God himself.   

   The Lord has "rules of engagement," within which He allows Satan to make his claims - then defeats them one by one. (See Matt. 4:1-11) 

   In a horrible circumstance or untimely death, a child dies. Satan raises doubts in our minds about God's justice and kindness. 

   God can prevent misfortune. He does act on our behalf, without being overly obvious; what most honors him is faith in the unseen. (Lucifer saw, and still failed.)   

   If God gives Satan (and humans) choices, what does it say if He breaks his own rules to prevent those choices? 

   God defeats Satan by demonstrating his own character, not his power,
says the professor.  

   We don't preach. We come along side those who are suffering, as did Job's friends, ill suited as they were. Our best is to show we care. This may involve giving more than time.

   John the baptist, the "Elijah," was beheaded in a Jerusalem prison while Jesus - with supernatural knowledge - was in Galilee and could have prevented it. Are we greater than John? 

   Most importantly, we trust him who endured the cross. If God freely suffered and died for us in the person of Christ, He can morally make the rules. 

   We trust him when we don't understand. Even in death, it's not over. There is resurrection. A Christ-centered millennium is coming, and then eternity. We mourn and rejoice together.  

Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. 

Give him what He wants, no matter what.