Today's Reading:

Job 37
Job 38
Job 39
Job 40:1-5
Psalm 19

 
God stated to Job, “Surely you know, for you were already born!” I (38:21), challenging Job’s understanding of how the universe was formed. A rhetorical question on who cuts a path for the rain, who made and named the constellations and had the ability to establish order “Tell me, if you know all this,” God stated. This was not meant to belittle Job, but to bring awareness and knowledge of the limitations of humans. There was humor in the impossibility of the answer- of course Job was not around at the time of creation. If God gently teased that we were not there at the beginning of creation, then can we let go of worries and fear lean into the One who knows everything and leads us to peace?

Elihu finished up his own argument with Job and the three friends about Job’s struggles. Elihu said his heart pounded at the fantastic wonders of the earth that God had created like the power of lightning and storms. These mighty works could serve the purpose of discipline and punishment, provision and rain for the land, and kindness and love from God. Elihu challenged Job to stop and consider God’s wonders; that one should approach God with humility as His radiant splendor should inspire awe and fear.

Chapter 38 was the turning point for the book. For the first time, God Himself answered Job, not with the explanation to Job about his suffering, but with the divine authority of revealing who He is. From the start, God asked about Job’s knowledge and understanding, challenging Job’s perspective; asking if Job understood all of God’s governing over the entire world, the sea, animals, as He is even in control of the light and darkness. At the start of the universe, even the “angles shouted for joy” praising God’s creation (38:7). As typical, God’s great personality was shown when he sarcastically retorted to Job, “Surely you know (this), for you were already born” (38:21).

God continued His speech to Job through the imagery of animals. Asking who decided the seasons for birth, how long gestation times would be, and the habitats of the untamed animals. God pointed out that the animals do not need humans to survive as God already put plans and provisions into place for them. God had delight in the creatures from the wild donkey and ox to the ostrich that lacks wisdom, the warhorse that was eager for battle and the eagle that hunts by instinct, He gave them all their attributes. Job was told that the animals would not serve him, God must intervene to tame them. Verse 39:9 could be a prophesy foreshadowing to Jesus and the manger, born in a cave where the animals were kept- and God asked Job if the wild animals would humbly abide him and stay by his manager. (The next time you set out a nativity look at your ox and the strength it represented on that quiet night, in contrast to Job and the wild, untamed ox).

God continued to say that Job’s complaining was unjustified, yet He did not give a reason for Job’s suffering or accuse him of a hidden sin. He was revealing His wisdom and showing how complex, wise and good the universe was, so much that humans cannot comprehend the vastness. Job’s first response to God was in humble repentance. He did not confess any sin but did admit to being insignificant in silent submission by covering his mouth. In times of suffering or seeking understanding, are we willing- like Job- to put our arguments to God aside and trust Him in silence?

Psalm 19 was all about how God shows off His incredible glory- and how we desperately need His forgiveness for the sins we commit, even the hidden ones we don’t always notice. It connected to the story of Job because the vast, breathtaking creation around us shows how massive and wise God was. We cannot even come close to matching His understanding or His cosmic greatness. God revealed Himself in two ways: through the heavens above and through His Word in Scripture.

Picture the sky like a patchwork quilt- every star, cloud, sunrise, and sunset was handmade by God. The heavens were constantly “speaking” about His glory, pouring out the message, but it is a silent voice- no actual words, no sound you can hear, yet somehow everyone “hears” it loud and clear. The beauty, order, and majesty of creation told the whole story without saying a thing.

The psalm shifted to God’s Word (the law or Torah), and it gave six lines praising it: It is perfect, totally trustworthy, brings real joy to your heart, gives light to your eyes, lasts forever, and is completely righteous. God’s Word is the ultimate treasure- nothing compares to it. It is worth way more than piles of gold, and it’s sweeter than fresh honey. Plus, it warns us, cleans up our hearts, and comes with huge rewards when we follow it.

Today's Discussion question: 

If God gently teased Job that he was not there at the beginning of creation, then can we let go of worries and fear to lean into the One who knows everything and leads us to real peace? Do you stop to consider His wonders?

In times of suffering or seeking understanding, are we willing, like Job, to put our arguments to God aside and trust Him in silence?

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