December 14, 2015
Today’s reading from Encounter with God

God's Cosmic Control

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Opening Prayer

Mighty God, You understand my needs and concerns. I bow in praise before You.

Read JOB 40:1-24

[1] The LORD said to Job: [2] “Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him!” [3] Then Job answered the LORD: [4] “I am unworthy-how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth. [5] I spoke once, but I have no answer- twice, but I will say no more.” [6] Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm: [7] “Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. [8] “Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself? [9] Do you have an arm like God’s, and can your voice thunder like his? [10] Then adorn yourself with glory and splendor, and clothe yourself in honor and majesty. [11] Unleash the fury of your wrath, look at all who are proud and bring them low, [12] look at all who are proud and humble them, crush the wicked where they stand. [13] Bury them all in the dust together; shroud their faces in the grave. [14] Then I myself will admit to you that your own right hand can save you. [15] “Look at Behemoth, which I made along with you and which feeds on grass like an ox. [16] What strength it has in its loins, what power in the muscles of its belly! [17] Its tail sways like a cedar; the sinews of its thighs are close-knit. [18] Its bones are tubes of bronze, its limbs like rods of iron. [19] It ranks first among the works of God, yet its Maker can approach it with his sword. [20] The hills bring it their produce, and all the wild animals play nearby. [21] Under the lotus plants it lies, hidden among the reeds in the marsh. [22] The lotuses conceal it in their shadow; the poplars by the stream surround it. [23] A raging river does not alarm it; it is secure, though the Jordan should surge against its mouth. [24] Can anyone capture it by the eyes, or trap it and pierce its nose?

Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Reflect

“For our struggle is…against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil” (Eph. 6:12).

Earlier, Job had gotten to the stage of accusing God (Yahweh also YHWH) and demanding justice (e.g. Job 27:2-6; 30:20-23). God has responded, asserting that he rules supreme over creation and cares for all of it. His message to Job is that he cares for him even more than for the wild animals. “All happenings occur within Yahweh’s wise counsel. That means Job’s suffering has taken place within, not outside, God’s wise governance. Just like the wild donkey which has to go hungry in exchange for its freedom, so Job has had to endure suffering in exchange for the integrity of his relationship with Yahweh” (John E. Hartley). Now God demands a reply from Job–but for once he is silent.

Job has accused God of injustice towards him. Now God suggests that Job himself should play God and bring justice on the wicked; if he can do this, God will admit that Job does not need him; he can save himself (6-14). Job is not God, however. He cannot do what only God can do. He is not even as strong as the “behemoth” (15-24). This creature may have been a hippopotamus or an elephant. Only God can control such forces. Job is very small.

There are times in our lives when we realize how very small and very weak we humans are–despite outward shows of power and wealth. Even the most powerful nation is helpless in the face of devastating floods, earthquakes or tornadoes. Even the best-known celebrities can develop terminal cancer. Even the most important business tycoon may eventually become old and frail, totally dependent on others. For those going through horrendous suffering, the only response of faith–having had our rant at God–is to curl up small and put ourselves under his loving control.

Apply

What new insights does this passage give you into the place of suffering in your own life? How can the events of your life be used by God for reasons you might not be aware of?

Closing prayer

Father, at times I do not understand Your ways, but I will always trust You.

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