I've just finished reading Job today. The whole recount of Job's trials is something which has led to some unexpected thoughts. As Satan was allowed to attack Job God put him through the "refiner's fire". Job had led a "good" life up to that point. He was described by men as righteous and enjoyed great favor in the world. He was sought out for advice and council. He believed himself to be righteous and wise. As you might guess Job had a lot of things right and at least one thing wrong. He understood reverent fear of the Lord is the only way to wisdom and understanding. However, he thought his own righteousness meant he should receive nothing but favor from the Lord. He believed he "had arrived" to put it in common terms.
You see much like Satan did, Job figured himself akin to God, and above others. It's my take that Job was prideful in his standing with God. When trial hit Job's life he asked (basically) what good is it to be a believer if bad things happen to you while evil men prosper? Job figured he was above these things. While He never lost track of who God was, he did loose track of who he, himself, was.
The book of Job is the recount of a fantastic argument between friends and wise men, and ends with a conversation with the Lord Himself. All of this makes Job submit himself fully to God, Amen. When the Lord speaks to Job He doesn't try to wrestle with him over how Job has lived his life, He simply asks Job to explain things to Him that Job would know if Job were truly as great as he thought he was. The Lord goes so far as to say if you are this great even I will praise you.
What I find most surprising is that God's rebuke of Job's over estimate of himself could easily be applied to most of us today who question the validity of God's recount of Creation. If you read the book of Job you likely will be amazed at the scientific revelations written in it. The very things that God asks Job to explain are the things that scientists are wrestling with today. They are the very things that so-called Christians claim to be able to figure out with their own feeble minds in ways "more correct" than what is recounted in Genesis. Oh foolish generation! Get on your knees and say to God the words of Job!! Oh how great are You, my Creator. Surely You are greater than I. Surely You are worthy of all praise and the only understanding and wisdom I have comes from You!
If you are interested at all in understanding the truth that is God can not lie and observations made to day not only dont disagree with the Word of God, but in fact point us back to His truth again and again, visit Answers In Genesis. There you will find answers to more questions than you've likely thought to ask. God enjoy the glory God is given when His people see the works of His hands in the world and then pass it on to change the lives of believers!
No comments:
Post a Comment