Skin For Skin

Skin for skin!

Job 2:3-6 NKJV

[3] Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil? And still he holds fast to his integrity, although you incited Me against him, to destroy him without cause.” [4] So Satan answered the Lord and said, “Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. [5] But stretch out Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will surely curse You to Your face!” [6] And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand, but spare his life.”

    The phrase "skin for skin" is a proverb Satan uses to accuse Job of being in a selfish, transactional faith. It's an ancient saying with a meaning similar to "a person will give anything to save their own life."According to Lawson, the phrase in Job’s ancient culture,..." was a bartering term meaning to trade one skin for another." The devil is here accusing Job of being willing to risk the skin of his children and livestock in order to protect his own skin.” 

    It's important to take a closer look at this accusation. What is a transactional faith? Transactional faith is a mindset that views one's relationship with God as a quid pro quo or a business-like exchange. In this view, people believe that if they perform certain actions—like praying, attending church, or giving money—God is obligated to provide them with specific blessings or outcomes in return. This can lead to a belief that good deeds or adherence to religious rules will guarantee prosperity, health, or protection, while a lack of blessings is a sign that one has not done enough or has committed a sin.

    This type of faith often treats God like a vending machine: you put in your good deeds and prayers, and a blessing is dispensed. When the expected blessing doesn't come, it can lead to feelings of disappointment, guilt, or the belief that something is wrong with one's own faith or actions. 

The primary motivation is to receive a benefit, whether it's salvation, financial gain, or personal comfort. This is in contrast to a relational or transformational faith, which focuses on knowing and loving God for who He is, not just for what He can provide.

    To move toward a more relational faith involves shifting the focus from "what can I get?" to "who is God?" and "who am I in relationship with God?" It emphasizes that God's love is unconditional and not based on our performance. This shift involves:

​Prioritizing relationship over rules: Focusing on building a personal, loving relationship with God rather than simply following a list of rules or obligations.

     We have to learn to trust that God's plan is not always a direct response to our specific requests. His love remains constant even when prayers aren't answered in the ways we expect.We have to recognize that faith is a gift and not something that can be earned or bought.Touching Job's health was not to change things, neither should it be for you. Good morning.