[johnlf]

As I was driving to work today I was thinking of all the hatred and suffering in the world. So many people are trapped in pain, fear, and hatred. Many wonder how these things could be. Some declare "If I were God then I would do this" or "If I were God then I would do that", necessarily implying that there is a better course of action than the present one.

God by nature is perfect:

Perfect in righteousness
Perfect in knowledge
Perfect in power
Perfect in mercy
Perfect in love

But do we really believe that? Or do we question if God is really perfect in all these ways? That is the reason for the great smear. The great smear is the attempt to get men to question God's character, decisions, attributes, and even his very existence. Much of the drama in our lives centers around this grand scenario.

Satan, on the other hand desires only to steal, kill, and destroy. But not just for its own sake. He also seeks to besmirch God's character in men's minds and the minds of the angelic host. Ever since his fall, Satan has been trying to prove to the world that God is not who he says he is. The great smear.

10 Therefore hearken unto me ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.

11 For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways.

12 Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.

13 Who hath given him a charge over the earth? or who hath disposed the whole world?

Job 34
King James Bible

This very question had probably come up because of some accusation made by Satan. Satan's primary assertion was that men, and more specifically Job, only served, loved, and feared God because of the favor he showed to them:

8 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? 9 Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? 10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. 11 But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face

Job 1
King James Bible

1 Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD. 2 And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. 3 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. 4 And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. 5 But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face.

Job 2
King James Bible

And yet, even though Satan was allowed to take everything Job had, including all his wealth, children, and even his health and beauty, Job did not do what Satan predicted he would do, in fact he worshipped God:

20 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,

21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

22 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.

Job 1
King James Bible

9 Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. 10 But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.

Job 2
King James Bible

15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him

Job 13
King James Bible

Advantage: God. Satan was openly proven wrong before the whole universe and God's justice was vindicated! One day God will STAND UP and do what his critics have charged falsely against him for not doing yet. HE WILL PUT DOWN EVIL ON THE EARTH, IN PERSON. But it will be in mercy as well in that he will have evacuated and protected his people before he does:

9 Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him?

10 Deck thyself now with majesty and excellency; and array thyself with glory and beauty.

11 Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath: and behold every one that is proud, and abase him.

12 Look on every one that is proud, and bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place.

13 Hide them in the dust together; and bind their faces in secret.

14 Then will I also confess unto thee that thine own right hand can save thee.

Job 40
King James Bible