WISDOM FROM JOB – GOD AND JOB
April 19, 2023WISDOM FROM JOB – GOD VINDICATES JOB…HIS FRIENDS CHIDED
April 21, 2023The LORD God of the Bible is not just our Creator, but He is God who wants to commune with us. He cares to listen to us, and He cares to speak to us. Most of the times, it is we, who are unwilling to listen to God, and disinterested to speak with Him. Despite our rebellious nature and attitude, God loves us very much, and cares for us a lot. This is true.
Job asks a barrage of questions about what he is facing. According to Edward L. Greenstein, Job, “After losing his health, wealth and children in inexplicable tragedies, the righteous and devout man Job questions God as to what he must have done to deserve such a heavy punishment. When he can think of nothing else, Job challenges God by suing God to provide evidence of his wrongdoing.” Such a practice of suing has a precedence, according to ancient middle Eastern texts – Biblical Archaeology website.
However, the point to note is, Job is not angry with God, nor is he fighting against God. He merely wants answers for all the suffering that has befallen him. Job’s position is unenviable – he is suffering intense pain, yet there are no possible answers. He is unable to understand why he is going through such unprecedented suffering and pain.
The LORD God Almighty, who heard Job, begins to respond to his legal arguments – “1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, 2 Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? 3 Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. 4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?” – Job 38:1-4. God continues His questions in Job 40:1-2 and beyond.
Job has no answers to any of the questions that were asked by God. He is dumfounded, and comes to this realisation – ‘3 Then Job answered the LORD, and said, 4 Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth. 5 Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further.” – Job 40:3-5.
Job simply surrenders because God is right, and Job knows it very well. Job humbly concedes that he was ignorant and foolish – “1 Then Job answered the LORD, and said… 3…therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not…6 Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” – Job 42:1-6.
Job displays remarkable humility, and a spirit of quick and honest repentance, in his response to God’s words. These are the virtues of a good man, who is keen to follow the LORD, obediently and faithfully. May the LORD help us to be so.
