May 12, 2024 - Job 38-39

“Then the Lord answered Job” (38:1).  It was out of a whirlwind, and the questioning was intense.  However, Job is finally hearing from God himself and, for Job, there is now hope.  God’s intention, as he calls forth all of creation to testify, is to demonstrate to Job that he, the Lord, is not ignorant nor indifferent toward his creation.  Question after question, and God ends with:  “Is it by your understanding that the hawk soars and spreads his wings toward the south?  Is it at your command that the eagle mounts up and makes his nest on high?  On the rock he dwells and makes his home, on the rocky crag and stronghold.  From there he spies out the prey; his eyes behold it from far away.  His young ones suck up blood, and where the slain are, there is he" (39:26-30).  In other words, Job had nothing to do with the ways of the hawks and the eagles.  He does not even understand how they do what they do.  Job’s knowledge, as compared to God’s, is so finite, so small.  I can’t help but recall God’s words to the prophet Isaiah:  “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Peace, troubled soul, thou need’st not fear!

Thy great Provider still is near;

Who fed thee last, will feed thee still;

Be calm, and sink into his will.

The Lord, who built the earth and sky,

In mercy stoops to hear thy cry;

His promise all may freely claim,

Ask and receive in Jesus' name.

His stores are open all, and free

To such as truly upright be;

Water and bread he’ll give for food,

With all things else which he sees good.   -- Samuel Ecking (1788)