January 14 – Job 38-39

Today’s reading comes from Job 38-39. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word.

God is all knowing, God is all present, and God is all powerful. All along God has been in control. The calamities that have struck Job we not caused by God but they were allowed by God.  God has heard Job and his three friends banter back and forth. He has heard the descriptions of his character and abilities. He has heard the accusations made against Him. And now He is ready to respond.

He begins directly with Job. His words remind us of his work in creation. His words remind us of his power and majesty. His words remind us of his sovereignty. He asks where Job was as he wove the fabric of the universe into existence. We will learn that Job has no response to God’s questions.

In this we see God responding to the questions posed by Job. As I read I thought about the idea of questioning God. Is it ok to question God? From a simple surface level reading of God’s response we could say no, that it is a scary proposition. And in one sense I agree while completely disagree. Here is how.

As I study scripture I am fully convinced that it is a dangerous prospect to question God, to believe you know better. I mean he is God; creator, give of life, and sustainer of the universe. I think he knows what he is doing. However, to have questions, to seek wisdom, to seek understanding, to ask God why in humility, I think that is noble, I think that is pure. When calamities strike and you begin to question God, seek the tone of your heart. The tone of your heart will show the real reason for your questions. If you seek understanding and wisdom God will build up and instruct.