Bible Pathways 6/24/2001

June 24

Read Job 38 -- 40

Is it any surprise that the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind (cutting short Elihu's vicious slander against the faithful servant of God), and said, Who is this (Elihu) that darkens 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. The God of love said: Gird up now your loins like a man (38:3); He seemed to be saying: "Step out of the ashes; you have suffered 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 control the vast universe and yet am greatly concerned with the smallest detail of your life."

The second statement of God to Job was equally comforting: I will demand of you, and you answer 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 since the creation of all things." First, God wanted Job to consider the limitations of his own wisdom compared to the infinite wisdom of the One who created the endless universe: Can you bind the sweet influences of (the cluster of stars called) Pleiades, or loose the bands of (the constellation called) 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). Neither the wisest astronomer nor the most spiritual person can explain or change one star in the marvelous array of Pleiades, one of the most beautiful clusters of stars visible to the naked eye. The only true explanation of the arrangement of the universe is recorded in the account of the fourth day of Creation (Genesis 1:14-19).

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 the wisdom of the Creator as to why He would allow suffering. Every event in a Christian's life tests our faith in the love, wisdom, and power of God. Prosperity can test our spirit of generosity or reveal our greed. Suffering tests our patience and faith, or reveals our impatience and lack of trust. Disappointments test our trust in the Lord or develop bitterness in us. But God is with every true believer in all circumstances, seeking to perfect His will and His character in our lives. Nothing is unforeseen and no one is overlooked, slighted, or left out by our Heavenly Father. He imparts inner strength and sustains us by the indwelling of the 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 weakness (II Corinthians 12:9).

Christ Revealed: As the One who laid the foundations of the earth (Job 38:4). By Christ, God made the worlds (Heb. 1:1-2; also John 1:1-3).

Word Studies: 38:9 swaddlingband means wrapping; 38:12 dayspring means dawn; 39:9 unicorn means wild ox; 40:21 fens means marshes.

Prayer:

Government Official: Gov. George Pataki (NY) · Pray for Rick Hash and the Bible Pathway Radio Broadcasts on WPYB-AM, Benson, NC · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio broadcast in honor of Rick Hash · Country: Mongolia (3 million) in east-central Asia · Major language: Khalkha Mongol · As a 70-year era of communism wanes, Bibles are now on sale in the capital, Ulaanbaatar · 29% Shamanist; 2% Buddhist; 2% Muslim; .2% Christian · Prayer Suggestion: Thank the Lord that His people are precious in His sight (Zechariah 9:16).