Job 38

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.”

In 1505, twenty-one-year-old Luther found himself caught in a severe thunderstorm. A lightning bolt struck the ground near him as he walked along the road to Erfurt. He screamed, “Help me, St. Anne! I will become a monk!” Luther honored his vow, giving away all his possessions and entering monastic life. During his study of the book of Romans, Luther began to understand that salvation was a gift of God’s grace, not something earned through works. He said, “Here I felt as if I were entirely born again and had entered paradise itself through the gates that had been flung open.” In 1521, Luther took a bold stand against the Catholic Church and initiated the Protestant Reformation.[1]

It’s incredible to think that the Reformation began with a thunderstorm and a crash of lightning. Job’s reformation started in a similar manner!

In Job 38, God entered the scene in a mighty windstorm and addressed his servant, Job. God put Job on the witness stand and began a barrage of seventy questions. Can you imagine facing such an examination? These questions fall into three main categories, reminding Job of who was, is, and always will be the sovereign Creator. He is writing our story…even in the unanswered questions of our suffering.  God probes:

• Can you explain my creation? (Job 38:1-38)
• Can you control my creation? (Job 38:39-39:30)
• Can you conquer my creation? (Job 40:6-41:34)

Let’s start with the first question: Job, can you explain my creation?

Job 38:4-7
Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. ⁵ Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? ⁶ On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, ⁷ when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

God compares his creation of the earth to building a structure. He asked, “Job, who decided how large the earth should be? Was it you? Did you stand there with a tape measure to ensure everything was accurately measured? Job, do you recall the beautiful song the angels sang when the work was complete? Oh, you weren’t there? Then how do you know so much about the way I operate?”

If you expect God to approach Job gently, you may be disappointed. When God highlights a point, he does not hold back.

Job 38:8-11
Or who shut in the sea with doors when it burst out from the womb, ⁹ when I made clouds its garment and thick darkness its swaddling band, ¹⁰ and prescribed limits for it and set bars and doors, ¹¹ and said, ‘Thus far shall you come, and no farther, and here shall your proud waves be stayed’?

In the remainder of Job 38, God poses fifteen additional questions to emphasize his point. Here are a few.

Job 38:16
Have you entered into the springs of the sea, or walked in the recesses of the deep?

Job 38:22-23
Have you entered the storehouses of the snow, or have you seen the storehouses of the hail, ²³ which I have reserved for the time of trouble, for the day of battle and war?

Job 38:34-36
Can you lift up your voice to the clouds, that a flood of waters may cover you? ³⁵ Can you send forth lightnings, that they may go and say to you, ‘Here we are’? ³⁶ Who has put wisdom in the inward parts or given understanding to the mind?

God’s words are filled with irony, and his questions are rhetorical. Job has neither cursed God nor will he do so, contrary to Satan’s prediction. However, Job’s pain led him to put God on trial. His heart became filled with pride, even as it was burdened by pain. God does not answer Job’s questions. Instead, by questioning him, he compels Job to set aside his pride.

I understand this is a difficult truth about suffering. However, let’s think this through. Even in our suffering, we can feel a sense of pride, and I have certainly been guilty of that. My questions to God have sometimes aimed at pushing him off his throne so I could take his place and rule my world. Can I speak frankly? Sometimes, I don’t believe God is doing a good job. He doesn’t meet my expectations, doesn’t act as I deem best, and takes me in a direction with which I disagree. And I make my feelings known. I allow my hurt and pain to evolve into self-righteousness. It’s one thing to call out to God for help. It’s another to cry out because I want to control and run the world according to my desires. Oh, but I wasn’t present when he created the world, so how could I possibly know how to run it?

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Read Job 38. Focus on God’s questions and how he addresses Job’s pride.

Talking to God
Ask God to deal with any pride that has built up in your pain.

Have Questions?
Be sure to send your questions to our team. We are happy to assist you as you explore God’s Word. Submit your question below, and we’ll reply soon. And if you don’t know where you stand with Jesus, we would love to have that conversation with you.

[1] Editors of Christian History Magazine, 131 Christians Everyone Should Know (Holman Reference, 2000), 33-34.