Job 38-40:5 God Speaks And Requires Job To Answer

God’s timing is amazing.  Job’s request for a hearing is granted and he has to spend time before the judge.  I was in court yesterday for a hearing and the remembrances of that helped set the tone for what I read.  The judge controlled everything about the court appearance and those in attendance could only speak when spoken to and told to answer.

“Job was sure that his speeches had been filled with wisdom and knowledge, but God’s first question put an end to that delusion … God didn’t question Job’s integrity or sincerity; He only questioned Job’s ability to explain the ways of God in the world.  Job had spoken the truth about God, but his speeches lacked humility.  Job thought he knew about God, but he didn’t realize how much he didn’t know about God.  Knowledge of our own ignorance is the first step toward true wisdom,” my commentary explained.

After God questioned Job about the dimensions of creation, “Job was probably wishing for a reprieve; but the Lord kept right on … Man may study the heavens, but he can’t control them.”

God next asked Job a series of questions about whether he knew how to take care of God’s living creation – wild animals – for God Himself takes care them, teaches them, and feeds them, it says.  “Now Job,” asked the Lord, “if you can’t succeed with these animals, how then do you expect to succeed when you meet Me in court?  How strong do you think you are?”

Imagine after all this, hearing God say, “Let the person who accuses God answer him!”  Oh, my!  All Job could say was, “I’m not worthy.  I can’t answer you anything.  I will say nothing more.”

My commentary contained a quote by Christopher Morley which exactly matches my view of what it will be like upon getting to heaven:  “I had a million questions to ask God, but when I met Him, they all fled my mind; and it didn’t seem to matter.”

I also read this:  “Until we are silenced before God, He can’t do for us what needs to be done.  As long as we defend ourselves and argue with God, He can’t work for us and in us to accomplish His plan through us.”

Wow, Father!  I too am ready to shut up.  Silence me and help me to be humble, remembering my insignificance and unworthiness, when I come before You.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford