Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said,
Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?
Now gird up your loins like a man, and I will ask you, and you instruct Me!
Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell Me, if you have understanding,
Who set its measurements? Since you know.
Or who stretched the line on it? On what were its bases sunk?
Or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Job 38:1-7
When we were kids, and we knew something was going to hurt, we would tell each other… “take it like a man”. That meant, shut up, don’t cry, bear it”. After Job’s friends, young and old had spoken, God had something to say. God asks Job rhetorical questions that illustrate how high He is above us and His ways and understanding above ours. He says “Job, who do you think you are? Where were you when…?” I don’t want to spoil Job’s answer. But today, I want to reflect on God, telling Job, brace yourself, because its My turn to speak.
Today is a humility check. Do I think I can tell God what’s up? Or am I able to receive the chastisement that Job does from God? This is tough, because in leadership roles with responsibility, I do need to exercise some expertise, insight, and decision making skill. But, I have learned that where my wisdom ends, God is just getting started.
God, You really are the maker of heaven and earth. You made the world I know and You sustain it. I was nowhere around when You conceived all this and spoke it into existence. I am humbled at the thought, almost fearful. But, in Your great expression of love, I feel bold to come to Your thrown of grace asking for help (even as you so faithfully give it). Meet all my needs today according to Your riches in Christ Jesus. Use me as Your minister to bless others.
