Often in life its easy to lose to perspective, to become distracted by the things and cares of this world. At times we may think we know a better way than what God has given us, sometimes we question God’s Word. One of my favorite passages to turn to when I need a perspective adjustment is Job 38-40.
Job 38:1-2 “Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said, “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? “Now gird up your loins like a man, and I will ask you, and you instruct Me!”
How often do you hear people darkening counsel by words without knowledge? How often are you responsible for such words yourself? Up to this point in the book of Job, Job’s friends have assailed him with counsel made in ignorance of the ways of God. Job has responded in ignorance of why he is being persecuted, insisting that it would be better for him if he had never been born. Job too is adding words without knowledge. The Lord then tells Job to give him instructions in what God should be doing. But before he gives Job the opportunity he presents Job with a long series of rhetorical questions demonstrating that unlike Job and his friends the Lord speaks out of knowledge, bringing light rather than darkness to counsel. All through chapters 38 and 39 the Lord continues addressing Job, firmly establishing himself as the master of creation and all that is in it, claiming his rights over all creation. One of my favorite portions is here:
Job 40:31-33 “Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades, Or loose the cords of Orion? “Can you lead forth a constellation in its season, And guide the Bear with her satellites? “Do you know the ordinances of the heavens, Or fix their rule over the earth?
After listening to the Lord, Job had this to say:
Job 40:1-5 Then the LORD said to Job, “Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let him who reproves God answer it.” Then Job answered the LORD and said, “Behold, I am insignificant; what can I reply to You? I lay my hand on my mouth. “Once I have spoken, and I will not answer; Even twice, and I will add nothing more.”
Like Job, we too sometimes need to lay our hands on our mouths and listen to the Lord, the maker and ruler of all.
