Read
The Lord Speaks
From Out of a Storm
1From out of a storm,
the Lord said to Job:
2Why do you talk so much
when you know so little?
3Now get ready to face me!
Can you answer
the questions I ask?
4How did I lay the foundation
for the earth?
Were you there?
5Doubtless you know who decided
its length and width.
6What supports the foundation?
Who placed the cornerstone,
7 while morning stars sang,
and angels rejoiced?
8 When the ocean was born,
I set its boundaries
9and wrapped it in blankets
of thickest fog.
10Then I built a wall around it,
locked the gates, 11and said,
“Your powerful waves stop here!
They can go no farther.”
Did You Ever
12Did you ever tell the sun to rise?
And did it obey?
13Did it take hold of the earth
and shake out the wicked
like dust from a rug?
14Early dawn outlines the hills
like stitches on clothing
or sketches on clay.
15But its light is too much
for those who are evil,
and their power is broken.
16Job, have you ever walked
on the ocean floor?
17Have you seen the gate
to the world of the dead?
18And how large is the earth?
Tell me, if you know!
19Where is the home of light,
and where does darkness live?
20Can you lead them home?
21I'm certain you must be able to,
since you were already born
when I created everything.
Reflect
Job has suffered without knowing that Satan has been afflicting him. His friends have accused him of being wicked and have told him repeatedly that he is only receiving the punishment he deserves. In fact, they are more than happy to point out to him that he is actually suffering far less than he deserves.
Neither they nor Job know that Job is actually suffering because he is righteous. God pointed Job out to Satan as an example of integrity and selfless worship at the very beginning of the book. Although his friends operate with an easy theology where suffering experienced corresponds to sins committed, Job knows he is innocent. What Job does not know—but the reader does—is that in his case his suffering is not in proportion to his sin, but in proportion to his righteousness.
Knowing that his friends are wrong in their assessment of his character, Job has wanted a day in court with God. Job knows that things are not adding up and he believes there has been a miscarriage of justice. But then God speaks.
It is significant that God speaks out of a storm. Storm imagery is common in the Bible when God appears. It is a picture of power, strength, and glory. God appeared in a storm on Sinai when he gave the law to Moses. The throne room of God in heaven has clouds, lightning, and thunder (Revelation 4).
Job is not going to question God; God is going to question him. The storm imagery speaks of transcendent power, but here is God speaking directly to his servant. God has not abandoned him; he is not aloof; he is not distant. Although the point of these questions emerges later, God’s presence is immediately apparent. Job’s God answers him.
Respond
Lord who speaks from the storm, help me to realize how great you are. But allow me also to see how close you are. When I do not understand your ways teach me to be silent and to trust. Help me remember you are always there. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Steve West
Steve West is the Lead Pastor at Crestwicke Baptist Church in Guelph, Ontario, as well as an adjunct professor at Heritage College and Seminary (Cambridge) and Toronto Baptist Seminary.