My fragmented thoughts on the Lord's Prayer, "Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." and the Book of Job.
On The Difference Between Temptation And Testing
The idea around temptation here is better understood to mean "Do not let us succumb to temptation" or "Don't abandon us to temptation" See 1 Cor. 10:13. God does not tempt us, but on the other hand, God does test us. The Bible says it is good that we are tested, and we see in the Psalms that the testing of the Lord is sought after (Psalm 26:1-3). A key verse for this is in James 1:2-4 "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." Also, see Matthew 4:1 and 1 Peter 1:6-9 for additional proof texts.
On Suffering
I was prompted to share this as we, at Men Act Now, were discussing the Westminster Confession Chapter 12 "of Adoption." We discussed the difference between general everyday suffering and suffering for Christ's sake and the difference between a hedge of protection and a hedge of suffering God places around people. In the Book of Job, we see God protect and prosper Job. Then when [the] Satan points out that protection, then we see God permit Satan to physically cause Job to suffer “…Skin for skin! All that a man has he will give for his life.” Job 2:4. God has two hedges. I commented with the group that I thought it funny in our time people will say they’ve earned all the good in their life, yet they did nothing to earn the suffering they face. They suffer because they are oppressed, and they are blessed because they are good people and worked hard. Responsibility is lost and this of course leads to more suffering.
What we see in the Book of Job, is that the LORD is testing Job and it is his wife “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die.” Job 2:9, and His “friends”, who add to Job’s misery, are the ones who are tempting him. In fact, his “friends” give Job many words but never give him any real help. Through this testing, Job is never given an answer as to why the suffering, or whether he was guilty of some sin or not. We should note that even if God had given Job an accounting for all his suffering, it would not change the fact that his skin was on fire and that his children were no longer with him; even with perfect knowledge, his reality would be the same. So, no, God doesn't give Job answers. Instead, he gives Job something better; His presence.
The question we are left with when we are in our suffering is whether we are seeking the Lord, or elsewhere, for answers or seeking the Lord for his presence.
On The Prayer
The Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 is probably better known as the "Disciples' Prayer" because Jesus doesn't pray this prayer for himself but teaches his disciples, upon their request, how they ought to pray. This was very common in that time for the disciples of Rabbi's to have distinct prayers. Jesus's disciples were no different. The Lord's Prayer is probably a better title for John 17:1 "He looked toward heaven and prayed: Father the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you."
