Posts Tagged ‘Job 38-39’

Scripture reading for June 2nd: Job 38-39

Job had been longing for an audience with God.  He had cried out for a mediator who could stand between him and the Almighty.  His desire was to question God about the reason for this trial.  (Job 23:1-5) We must be careful what we pray for because God is listening and will answer.  His answers are not always what we might expect!  His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts higher than our thoughts.

God came to Job in a storm.  Elihu, the final friend to speak, had been telling Job of the wonders of God in the storms of rain, snow, and ice.  It is interesting that these physical storms sometimes terrify us, but bring us needed moisture and refreshment.  God came in the storm and spoke to Job in answer to his plea.  However, instead of answers to Job’s many questions, God began to question him.  His first question was, “Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge?” It appears that God was speaking only to Job at this point, and this would have brought Job to holy fear.

Here are some of the seventy questions that God asked Job.  Listen and imagine that you are Job and have desired to talk to God and now He is asking you questions.  “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?”   “Who marked off it’s dimensions?”  “On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone?” (Job 38:4-6)  These questions could only be answered by the divine Architect!  Man has been searching for answers and tries to come up with explanations based on observation, but only divine revelation can reveal the truth!  Man cannot know this on his own, no matter how he tries!

“Have you journeyed to the springs of the sea or walked in the recesses of the deep?”  “Have the gates of death been shown to you?”  “What is the way to the abode of light?  And where does darkness reside?” (Job 38:16-19)  We know by scientific measurement that the deepest part of the ocean is nearly seven miles and no man has been down there himself.  From deep sea cameras, we have recently found creatures that we did not know existed!  There is so much we do not yet know!  Oh what a God of wonders!  We must worship Him who created it and humbly entrust our lives to Him!

Scripture reading for June 2nd: Job 38-39

Job had been longing for an audience with God so that he could state his case and find mercy.  His friends had accused him of harboring sin in his life and being under God’s punishment.  They had tried to define God’s ways and actions to him but Job had needed to hear from God Himself!  Job had maintained his integrity and faith in God but had lots of questions for God.  Finally, Job got the desire of his heart and it turned out differently than expected!

God appeared to Job out of a storm or whirlwind.  (Job 38:1)  God’s first question was: “Who is this that darkens My counsel with words without knowledge?” (Job 38:2)    I feel that this is a strong word of rebuke for all of Job’s friends, particularly the last speaker, Elihu.  (He claimed perfect knowledge in Job 36:4.)  God was also there to correct Job’s understanding as well!

The next four chapters are filled with questions that only God can truly answer. There are about seventy questions about the world that God created and about the animal kingdom.  God never answers Job’s questions about why he is suffering.  He never tells Job his purposes for allowing the suffering.  God only shows Job through these questions that He is in control and knows more about creation than we do. He implies that we do not need to know everything while here on earth.  Just knowing God and his great power and total authority over all creation should give us hope and peace.

When it comes down to it, God’s wisdom and understanding make us look small indeed!  To think that this God who created the vast heavens and unique earth would care about man is difficult to understand.  I am humbled and amazed that God would come to Job and personally talk to him!  It reminds me of Jesus Christ when he said: “Come to me all you who weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)  God is humble too!  He stoops low to speak to us and teach us about Himself.  We are blessed to learn and to hear His voice!