May 18, 2025 - Job 38-42

It is now time for God to speak.  And, wow, how he speaks!  “Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said:  ‘Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?  Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me” (38:1-3).  The questions come fast and furious:  “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?  Tell me, if you have understanding.  Who determined its measurements—surely you know!  Or who stretched the line upon it?” (38:4-5)  And the questions keep coming.  You know, you can make a statement by asking a question, e.g., “You’re not wearing THAT tonight, are you?” = “Go back in the house and change clothes!”  Well, that’s what God is doing with Job:  “You were nothing when I formed the earth.  You were not there; I was!  You didn’t plan the creation, I did!”  And so on, until Job is humbled and simply rests and trusts in the One who has made him and who provides for him.  What’s the old hymn?

‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,

and to take him at his word;

just to rest upon his promise,

and to know, “Thus saith the Lord.”

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust him!

How I’ve proved him o’er and o’er!

Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!

O for grace to trust him more!   --Louisa M. R. Stead (1882)