MAY 30 JOB 38-39

Job 38-39

GOD ENTERS (Elihu has disappeared!)

After all Job had been through—the inexplicable loss of his possessions, his children and his health—you’d expect God to say something, even if it’s something short of the whole account of God’s “bargain” with Satan. That might be what we call nowadays TMI (Too Much Information!). But surely God would say something comforting about Job’s losses, something encouraging about Job’s future, something applicable to Job’s situation. But He doesn’t, at least, not directly.

Instead of answering questions, God asks them. And nowhere does God pause long enough for Job to attempt any answers. In fact, these questions that need no answers fall under the category of questions we call “rhetorical.” God asks questions, you will remember, NOT because God needs answers, but because of something good God designs to do in us through the questions themselves.

The only slight reference God makes to Job’s specific situation is right at the start: Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge (Job 38:2). In other words, “You really don’t know what you’re talking about, Job!” Sound tough? It only gets tougher. God goes on to say, “Gird your loins like a man, and I will question you! (Job 38:3) In other words, “Fasten your seatbelt, Job, it’s going to be a bumpy ride!”

Then, the barrage hits; question after question, such as: Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Who determined its measurements? Who laid its cornerstone? Who set limits for the seas? What is the way to the dwelling of light? Has the rain a father? Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades? Can you send forth lightnings? Is the wild ox willing to serve you? Do you give the horse his might?

Had Job time to say so, his answers would either be: I don’t know; or No!

What affect will these questions have upon Job? How would you feel? See you tomorrow, as we finish Job.

Your brother in the Word,
Pastor Gary