Get ready to start a journey…a journey through the pages of the Bible and the pages of your life.
Job’s friends tried to persuade him that the tragedies in his life were the result of sin. Job knew this was not true. He had trusted in God alone, by grace alone, through faith alone. That initial repentance empowered him to live a life devoted to God. Because God transformed his heart, Job led a blameless, upright, and obedient life. Job never claimed perfection, but he was adamant that, with the Lord’s help, he had been striving to follow him closely.
Job was ready to challenge the Almighty and did not hold back with his questions. God, in turn, did not hold back with his answers. He told Job, “You were not present at creation; you cannot control my creation, nor can you overpower two of the great creatures I made.” God then asked, “Who are you to question me when you cannot comprehend the mind of the Creator, control the ways of the Creator, or conquer what I created?” When confronted by God, Job reacted in two ways: first, he was humbled, and then he repented.
God spoke, and Job listened. Job had called God to the witness stand, but instead, God told Job to brace himself because questions would be directed at him. As the book’s narrative approaches its conclusion, Job’s words are few. First, he expresses his humility (40:1-5). Then, Job begins a statement of repentance by acknowledging God’s sovereignty.
Arthur Gossip’s wife suddenly passed away, leaving him devastated. As the pastor of a thriving church in Scotland, he felt lost and uncertain about how he would endure. It’s one thing to minister to those experiencing loss; it’s another when it becomes personal…and so painful.
Job also had a control problem. His pain brought him to the brink of demanding that God answer every one of his questions. He wanted to call God to the witness stand and drill him with inquiries. But the Almighty turned the tables. From Job 38 to 41, God peppers Job with over seventy questions focused on creation.
Job was a renowned individual with a diverse and prosperous business, financial stability, and the love and support of a large family. He was generous to widows and those in need, serving as a mentor and respected counselor. He loved God and was a spiritual leader in his community. However, everything fell apart in his life. The man who was on top of the world was brought low.
Perhaps Job was trying to find the sweet spot as he cried out to God in pain. His devastating situation, combined with the harsh counsel from his friends, led him to demand an audience with God—to put God on the stand for questioning. Yet, God reversed Job’s request and placed his servant on the witness stand, asking over seventy questions.
The reformer Martin Luther was born in Eisleben, Germany, to Margaret and Hans Luder—his name as it was locally pronounced. Hans worked in the copper mines and was determined that Martin would become a lawyer. After attending Latin school, Martin was sent to the University of Erfurt at the age of thirteen. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the shortest time allowed by the university. His sharp intellect earned him the nickname “The Philosopher.”
Sometimes, God whispers. Elijah called it God’s “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12 KJV). Sometimes, God shouts. Moses experienced lightning and thunder (Ex. 19:16-19). The prophet Nahum said God’s presence was like a storm (Nahum 1:3). In Job, God comes in a “whirlwind.”
Today, in our study of the book of Job, God speaks to Job “out of the whirlwind” (38:1). It was an event Job would never forget! Let’s begin with an overview of what God says. Then, as we continue this section, we’ll delve deeper into God’s interaction with Job.
One of the many things I love about this book is how it embodies the essence of holding onto your faith while engaging in genuine and heartfelt conversations with God. Job maintained his walk with the Lord while seeking answers from God, yearning to stand before him in court and present his case. His passionate appeal boldly makes that request (Job 29-31). God graciously allowed Job time to gather himself before “bolting onto the scene” to address his faithful servant.
We considered Elihu’s presentation based on God’s graciousness in our previous discussion. Today, let’s explore Elihu’s argument regarding God’s justice.