Highlights:
A quick replay: Satan challenges God: "Take away Your favor and watch Job curse You" (Job 1:11). Job, hurting and confused, cries to God. God is silent. God speaks with an avalanche of questions no man can answer (chap. 38 — 40) reminding Job of man's limited knowledge and His infinite wisdom. Job stands silent before God (40:3-5)!
Is it any surprise that God interrupted Elihu's speech and answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? (Job 38:1-2).
For the first time since his suffering started, Job began hearing words of comfort rather than condemnation. When the God of love said: Gird up now thy loins like a man (38:3), He seemed to be saying: "Step out of the ashes; you have suffered long enough; you have proven Satan a liar; get ready to move a little closer to Me. I'm not as far away from you as it seemed when you said: I cannot perceive Him. . . . I cannot see Him (23:8-9). I want you to see that I, and I alone, control the vast universe and yet am greatly concerned with even the smallest detail of your life."
The second statement of God to Job was equally comforting: I will demand of thee, and answer thou Me (38:3). The Lord was saying to Job: "You no longer have to listen to the insults of cruel men, for I am in control and will reveal to you the most amazing wisdom concerning the universe ever given to mankind." First, God wanted Job to consider the limitations of his own wisdom compared to the wisdom of the One who created the universe: Canst thou bind the sweet influences (chains) of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion? (38:31). God asked Job about 60 questions in this first cycle of conversation (38:1 — 40:2), and over 80 questions altogether (38 — 41). The wisest astronomer can't explain or change one star in the marvelous array of Pleiades, one of the most beautiful clusters of stars.
The Mighty God, who created the universe, also created us, cares for us, patiently listens to our prayers, and provides us with what is best for us in the light of our eternal destination. We need to see how unqualified we are to question His wisdom. Nothing is unforeseen and no one is overlooked, slighted, or left out by our Heavenly Father. He imparts inner strength and sustains us by His indwelling Holy Spirit.
God's words to the Apostle Paul were also for us: My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in (perfects your) weakness (II Cor. 12:9).
Thought for Today:
I acknowledged my sin unto Thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and Thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah (Ps. 32:5).
Christ Revealed:
As the One who laid the foundations of the earth (Job 38:4). By Christ, God created our universe (Heb. 1:1-2). All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made (John 1:1-3).
Word Studies:
38:9 swaddlingband =wrapping; 38:12 dayspring =dawn; 39:9 unicorn =wild ox; 40:21 fens =marshes.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Clarence Rathbone • Government Official: Rep. Steven Driehaus (OH) • Country: North Korea (22.2 million) in northeastern Asia • Major language: Korean • Violent oppression against all religions • 68% atheist; 15% Ch'ondogyo; 14% Other Traditional; 2% Buddhist; 1% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Have faith that God always keeps His promises (Gen. 17:16 & 21:2-3).
Optional Reading: Philippians 1
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 3:18