Today’s passage: Job 38
Helpful thoughts:
- Contrary to his friends’ expectations (35:9-13), God answers Job.
- Because Job made assertions about what God was doing while the truth was still hidden from him (Hidden=Darkened), God says that Job also darkened or shadowed truths about who He truly is.
- When misinformed statements about God are made, those who hear become misinformed.
- In chapters 38-39, the LORD directs Job’s attention to His sovereign power over creation.
- He speaks to Job in many ways from the perspective of man (The way man might have described the things that God did and does). For example, God referred to the constellations using the names man had given them (Verses 31-32).
- God knows exactly where all those stars are in the universe (He put them there!), and He knows how they appear from the surface of the earth. He knows what man thinks about them and what we call them. God is willing to speak to us on our level so we can learn more about Him!
- He speaks to Job in many ways from the perspective of man (The way man might have described the things that God did and does). For example, God referred to the constellations using the names man had given them (Verses 31-32).
Questions to consider:
- What is the idea of verse 3? In calling on God to give an answer to what He allowed in Job’s life, whom had Job challenged? Who was he actually talking to now? Is there any man who can actually “Man up” enough to match up with God’s power, wisdom, intellect…anything?
- What illustrations does God use in this chapter to showcase His creative and sustaining power? Does the fact that we know more of “the science” of how many of these things work change the level of awe they should inspire? Should our knowledge today make us think less of God or more? Why?
- As we read through God’s responses, should we think of Him giving Job a good thumping or is God helping Job understand in a way that will give him joy and life? Why has God “condescended” to man? (Philippians 2:5-8) How does getting “put in our place” with God actually result in joy and freedom?