He is Not just 'Roaming'

Scripture: The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.” Job 1:7

Observation: Twice the Lord asks satan what he has been doing, and satan gives the exact same answer both times ... that he has been "roaming" about the earth. He makes it sound like he is just wandering about, casually going here and there, without any intent or interaction or interest. "Roaming, going back and forth" could be the way someone would discuss window shopping at the mall, or hiking around a local park.

Yet here is the truth: That is not what satan does. First, as a creature unable to tell the truth, we know his response was not forthright. Second, we also know satan has intention in what he does. He does not just passively wander the earth, spending his time in idle leisure, casually observing mankind with indifference. No, he patrols the earth, seeking victims to tempt and torment, causing pain and havoc and sin, with utmost intent and forethought.

And God knows it. God's did ask satan what he was doing because he didn't know, and he certainly didn't ask because he thought satan might give him a straight answer anyway. God wanted to have a conversation with satan, and used the question to establish a context. Knowing that satan would mention being on earth - the dominion where he spends his time - meant the Lord could then segue into whatever topic about life on earth he desired.

Application: I know there are 'problems' with the conversation between God and satan in these first chapters of Job, not the least of which is the idea that satan even presents himself before the Lord in a peaceful manner and then engages in banter about humans. Still, this does provide a glimpse into the character of satan, and that glimpse begins with the fact that he refuses to honestly respond to a question from the Lord when he knows for certain the Lord definitively knows the answer.

Anyone who ever thinks any aspect of satan represents a true and accurate aspect of creation is just wrong. And anyone who thinks he is passively wandering around doing nothing is wrong ... the fact he says that's what he does is evidence of that.

Prayer: Lord, I know evil is actively and aggressively at work in the world. We all see the results. However, I also know your good and your love is actively at work in the world as well. May I be part of that work, in your name, today. Amen.