As we wrap these three messages from the book of Job, I want to point out one incident with Jesus and the disciples that has some relationship and meaning to Job’s story. In John 9:1-3 we read,
“As Jesus passed by, He saw a man who had been blind from birth, His disciples asked Him, Rabbi who sinned, this man or his parents, that he would be born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed him.”
The story of Job is the longest and most unusual in the Bible. Most of us get hung up on how unfair God was to make such a deal with satan that affected Job so horrifically. This week God speaks for Himself.
God Speaks for Himself
- God Challenges Job in a sarcastic manner
“Then the LORD answered Job from the whirlwind and said, “Who is this who darkens the divine plan by words without knowledge? “Now tighten the belt on your waist like a man, and I shall ask you, and you inform Me! Job 38:1-3
v1 The writer here called God (YHWH), His personal name. Throughout the exchanges between Job and the four men, the names Elohim and El Shaddai have been used.
v2 Who is it that argues against God from a place of ignorance?
v3 Then God proposed to ask Job questions so he could come up with the answers.
v7 gives us some insight that there were angels present during Creation
vs12-41 The awesome power of God in Creation
vs 18-19 Have you understood all of God’s creation? Tell me if you do…Do you know where light and darkness stay?
Vs 31-33 stars, constellations, and natural laws
V 36 Who gave the mind of man wisdom and understanding, the ability to think
Vs 39-41 Animals know how to find prey; who feeds the birds
Chapter 39: God continues to speak of the uniqueness of many animals and the power and might of battle horses; hawks and eagles soar high and make their nests where nothing can get to them. Eagle eyes that see long distances from on high and fly to earth to catch prey.
Chapter 40: “Then the LORD said to Job, will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let him who rebukes God give an answer.” Then Job answered the LORD and said, “Behold, I am insignificant; what can I say in response to You? I put my hand on my mouth. vs 1-4
Now gird up your loins like a man; I will ask you, and you instruct Me. Will you really nullify My judgment? Will you condemn Me so that you may be justified? vs 7-8
We need to ask ourselves this question or allow God the Holy Spirit to do so. Do you question God when things go wrong or terrible things happen to you or a loved one? Most of us do or have. God is trying to back Job into such a corner that he has to look honestly deep within himself to see that he is unworthy and unable to question God or judge His motives.
God did not stop with Job’s humble, embarrassed answer. In the rest of Chapter 40 and 41, God asked another series of questions that continue to display His power and awesome might in creation. Many believe 40:15-23 – 41:34 refer to dinosaurs of some kind; first a land one and then a sea monster of some sort. Sailors throughout human history have spoken and written of many encounters. Evolutionists again have it wrong as humans existed when dinosaurs did and they were on the ark with Noah.
Job’s Confession:
“Then Job answered the LORD and said, “I know that You can do all things, And that no plan is impossible for You. ‘Who is this who conceals advice without knowledge?’ Therefore I have declared that which I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me, which I do not know. Please listen, and I will speak; I will ask You, and You instruct me.’ “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear; But now my eye sees You; Therefore I retract and I repent, sitting on dust and ashes.” Job 42:1-6
- Job acknowledged Who God is. God is sovereign. This is the hardest thing for most people to accept much less wrap our arms around.
- Job knew he was “ignorant” in the sense he could not understand God’s higher purpose and plans.
- Humility: Pleaded with God to instruct him
- Contrite and Repentant: Admitted his sins and confessed them. Remember he claimed he was innocent (and he was) during and after all satan afflicted him with. Sin became his when he began to blame and second guess God’s reasons and intentions.
Closing Questions you need to ask yourself
- Is this where you need to get to?
- Is there something you have been blaming God for or holding against Him buried deep in your soul that needs to come out now with repentance and confession?
I have good news for you. God knows that we have limited understanding of Him. He knows there are times it seems He is mean, unfair, or indifferent to what is going on in our worlds. But when we come to the place the Job finally arrived, God always reveals Himself and never stops loving or caring for us no matter what He allows or evil like satan and demons bring into our lives. FAITH in God and Who He is is the only thing that can sustain you through these times.
These words of Job BEFORE he felt overwhelmed and began blaming God are the most important things we need to remember from this difficult book.
- “The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.” v. 1:21
- “Shall we indeed accept good from God and not adversity?” v. 2:10b
- “Though He slay me, I will hope in Him.” v. 13:15
- “I know my Redeemer lives and at the last He will take His stand on the earth.” v. 19:25
For Christ’s sake,
