Job 38:1-11 (NRSV)
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Chapter 38Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind: Verse 2"Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Verse 3Gird up your loins like a man, I will question you, and you shall declare to me.
Verse 4"Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Verse 5Who determined its measurements-surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? Verse 6On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone Verse 7when the morning stars sang together and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy? Verse 8"Or who shut in the sea with doors when it burst out from the womb?- Verse 9when I made the clouds its garment, and thick darkness its swaddling band, Verse 10and prescribed bounds for it, and set bars and doors, Verse 11and said, 'Thus far shall you come, and no farther, and here shall your proud waves be stopped'?
Devotion
No book in the Bible probes the question of human suffering as deeply as Job. During all of Job’s misfortunes and torments there is no direct word from God. After a long period of silence, God finally speaks, as recorded in today’s Scripture. And although the “answer” given by God is probably not exactly what Job was hoping to hear, there is great comfort in knowing that God cares.
Like a child whose fears are relieved by the presence of a loving mother or father, our fears and even our sufferings can be relieved and given meaning knowing that God is with us and that God cares. Our questions of “why” may not always be answered, yet the presence of a loving God in our lives is a gift. It is a gift that brings comfort and meaning to our lives, even in the midst of suffering.
Prayer
Gracious God, the gift of your Son, Emmanuel, assures us of your love and presence in our lives. Thank you that you not only relate to us in our suffering, but by the suffering and death of your Son you win the victory over sin and death, and by his resurrection we know you as a God of life. Amen.