Job chapter 40 reminds me how often we act as if God messed up. Something happens that we did not expect and our tendency is to wonder if God was not paying attention. Or we do something stupid and ask how God could let this happen. Again, our Loving God gives each of us free-will. He desires that all come to know Him as Lord, but He will not force anyone to be obedient. “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13). The chapter begins with God posing a question to Job and all who are angry with God. “Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him?” We read “contend with” and think that means openly fight against. But who in your life causes the biggest aggravation? Is it the one that is openly fighting against you, or the one that creates obstacles more subtly? I rarely shake my fist at God challenging Him, but I often do what I want without a thought of anyone else. When I whine about a missed flight, or talk behind someone’s back, I’m sure I am interfering with His plan. I am reminded every day that people observe us and that our actions preach louder than our words. How do you frustrate God’s plans?
For the second time God told Job, “Let him who accuses God answer Him!“. Being called onto the carpet is never fun, but how much worse when your questioner knows every secret of your heart. Job answered the Lord in the only way possible. “I am unworthy how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth. Notice the change in Job’s attitude after a personal experience with God. Every one of us is humbled in the presence of the Almighty. We do not have to be dragged before God as a refugee. Jesus promised us that we can experience God’s very Spirit right here. According to Matthew 18:20, “Where two or three come together in My name, there am I with them“. This is one of the mysteries of our faith. God pours out His Spirit on us and we are able to experience His presence. This personal intimacy with God is amazing, but it is nothing compared to what eternity holds. The apostle Paul expressed it this way, “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known” (1 Corinthians 13:12). I have noticed after a time of closeness with God, many of the petty things in my life become insignificant.
God said again, “Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me“. And He asks a question that stings a little. “Would you discredit My justice? Would you condemn Me to justify yourself?“.This iswhat so many of us do when God’s Word differs with what we WANT. Some people twist God’s Word, some deny its relevance. We live in a fallen world, full of “thorns and thistles”. We will have challenges in our work and in our play. How do you react when your plans are foiled? God challenged Job take on the responsibilities of judging mankind. “Unleash the fury of your wrath, look at every proud man and bring him low… crush the wicked where they stand“. God says, “Then I myself will admit to you that your own right hand can save you“. I thank God every day for His immeasurable patience with me. Many times, we just have to realize that God is God and I am not. I know my God has perfect knowledge and the compassion of a Father. This is why I read Exodus 33:19 with a sigh of relief! “I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion“. Have you been battling against God lately? If so, one of you are wrong and it is NOT God! “Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness” (Joel 2:13).