Leslie M. John
In day to day life we see that in every argument or quarrel there is a final
say, which we call as the “last word”. Likewise every dispute in the court of
law has a final verdict. One wins and the other looses. There is nothing like
hanging in the middle unless both the parties compromise on an issue and
withdraw the case.
In the last few chapters of Job we see debate among Job, his friends, and then
the final say from God. Job tried to prove himself self righteous. Job tried to
complain against God’s plans. Job tried to question God. It was God who had
given testimony about Job that he was upright.
“And the LORD said unto Satan, Have you considered my servant Job, that there is
none like him in the earth, a blameless and an upright man, one that fears God,
and turns away from evil?”(Job 1:8)
But then in due course of time when Job was found upright, he started boasting
that he was righteous and justice was taken from him.
“For Job has said, I am righteous: and God has taken away my justice” (Job 34:5)
It was God’s turn then to ask Job about his self-boasting and questioning God.
The questions God asked Job was to humble him and bring him to repent of his way
of questioning God. It was then that God proceeds to question him in order to
bring the point that Job was ignorant of several things. God shows him that he
knew nothing about the foundations of the earth; nothing that limits the sea and
lays boundaries to it; nothing of the clouds; nothing of the morning light;
nothing about rain, frost and lightening; nothing about the secret counsels by
which they are directed; nothing that directs the stars and their influence;
nothing about his own soul; nothing about where the food ravens and lions get
from. Job gets puzzled to listen to these questions. Some of the questions from
God were…
“Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast
understanding”. Job 38:4
Or [who] shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, [as if] it had issued
out of the womb?” Job 38:8
“And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud
waves be stayed?” Job 38:11
“Have the gates of death been opened unto thee? or hast thou seen the doors of
the shadow of death?” Job 38:17
No doubt Job suffered calamities and loss of his dear ones. No human being
would, I think, can endure the hardships and sufferings Job did. Job was human
too. But then, what was his strength? He depended upon God. He never ceased
worshipping God. In spite of the sufferings he had to endure he never cursed
God.
“Then Job answered the LORD, and said, Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer
thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth. Once have I spoken; but I will not
answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further.” Job 40:3-6
Brother/Sister,
Let us introspect if we are questioning God’s wisdom or plans. Let us remember
that His thoughts are higher than ours. He is our maker and we are the people of
His pasture. He is the potter and we are the vessels.
Isaiah 55:9 reads, “For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my
ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Romans 9:21 reads, “Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to
make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?”
Jesus my Savior I worship You
Jesus my Lord I praise You,
Jesus my God I thank You
Jesus the Son of God I adore You.