The architect and builder.

Yikes! Job c 38-39, God appears in a whirlwind, and has some questions for Job, none of which he can answer. We would be wise to keep this dialogue in mind when we question God, or events in life that do not seem "fair". Pretty amazing questions when you really look at them. God does not provide detailed answers either, other than the source of all is He. Amazing also that God knows intimate details of His creation. From the extent of the earth to the snorting of a horse. How well do we know our possessions or our families? Better yet, how well do we know ourselves? This dialogue should give us pause to examine and realize not only who God is, but who we are. I am Tom, and did not lay the foundations of the earth. But I worship the one who did. And know that He is in control!

what does God need from us?

Such wisdom from Elihu in Job ch35-37. See c35v7b!! Also, c37v19. What makes us think we have the answers? Are we not guilty of acting like Job's friends when we try to console someone? After all, no one likes their shortcomings pointed out. So why do we act like we have the answer. To Elihu's point, what can we give to God? Nothing! God is without need from us, but He does desire our pursuit.

Wisdom from many sources...

Job 32-34. Wisdom is not just for the aged and experienced. Elihu is younger yet has a strong message for Job. Yet he is also without all of the facts. On the surface, his argument seems correct. Have you ever been so sure of yourself, only to find out additional info? Impetuous creatures we are. In many ways Elihu's response is quite sound in Godly doctrine. Note in c34v12, God will not do wrong. That is a solid rock to base faith on. Do not discount wisdom from all sources.

Time to take stock....

Job 9-31. Continued to take personal inventory, and when we are wrong, promptly admit it and make the appropriate amends. Ok, it doesn't say that, but that is the gist. How often do we take inventory? Of our action, thoughts, desires? Are we honest with it? Was Job? Does God judge while we are here on earth, or is there a day to be determined where all judgement will occur at once? How precious is the blood of Christ. Job has spoken with his three friends and summized that he is clean. So, after 31 chapters, Job and company are no closer to resolution. Perhaps they have worked out much of the though of evil deeds having consequences, but still do not have absolute truth and closure in the matter. For us, some situations might just stay unknown for now. Hope you are ok with that. Now, time to inventory....

The patience of Job!

Is Bildad the master of the obvious? In that matter, are Eliphaz and Zophar? In Job 25-28, Job becomes a bit angry at the useless "advice" he is getting. Just read ch26. Have you ever received obvious advice and reacted like Job? Then you must be breathing. We tend to vigorously defend ourselves when we think we are right. Job hits a key point in c27v6, clear conscience. That is really key to living free. Like the examples of the mines, when we bury issues or burdens, they could be unearthed again. Dealing with them is important. At what point i n this exchange with his friends would we have become violent, or simply walked away? Answers are coming!

the worms are hungry

Anyone want to become "sweet worm food"? If so, stay wicked according to Job in c24v20. So today, we are on Job c22-24. Eliphaz has another go around, reciting cause and effect situations and insisting that Job has some "hidden" sin. Job again responds that God will judge fairly and thoroughly. He holds dear the idea that wicked will truly get what they deserve, and the innocent will be vindicated. Do we view God as an overseer who will mete out justice in the future, perhaps on the day of reckoning? Or do we view God as an active and involved part of our life. Think about that when temptation strikes....God is right there beside you! Our day of reckoning could be today, or any day in the future. Live like it is true, or become sweet worm food....

There is a Day of Judgement?

Do the wicked prosper? In Job 20-21, we see Zophar becoming impatient and again attempting to explain Job's situation without all of the facts. Is Zophar correct in saying that the wicked will not prosper? Job disagrees noting that the wicked do enjoy success. What they all fail to see is the eternal perspective. The wicked might succeed for a period of time, but God will call them to account and those accounts will be settled justly. Everything balances in accounting! We need look at justice eternally, with faith that God will settle fairly. The day is coming, will we be ready to face our shortcomings? Are we without error? Jesus is the way, but we should not use Him like a get out of jail free card! When we think we know something, keep Job c21v34 in mind...