016: Job shut up

March 3, 2010
Job 42

It’s been awhile since I read through the book of Job. I love how it appeals to my inner science freak junkie – it sure sounds a lot like a dragon or dinosaur there at the end of the book! Not to mention, the feminist in me likes that Job’s three daughters are named, and given an inheritance along with their (unnamed) brothers. I wonder why, though? What was significant about them?

But what I love the most about Job is the last chapter.

A part of me feels like it’s unfair that Job doesn’t get a proper answer to his question – did he even realize why he was going through all he was going through? Did he get that it was God allowing Satan to experiment on him, because obviously God knew Job would be faithful throughout? Yet I know I’m not justified in feeling that God was unfair to Job because it’s pretty obvious that God doesn’t have to respond to Job’s questions. He doesn’t have to give a reason “why.” He’s God. He can do what he wants.

I think that’s what I get the most from Job, which is why I like it so much. I tend to get so caught up in my own little world and life and desires, that I forget what it’s all about; I forget what I am all about. This beautiful earth, these situations that make us hurt and grow and stretch and enjoy the blessings we have, great music, good food – all of it was made and ordained by God, and He deserves all the credit and glory and adoration. James says that EVERY good and perfect gift comes from the Father. All of the things I love in life should be pointing me straight back to Jesus and causing me to fall on my knees before Him in praise and worship.

Like Job, but much more frequently and much less eloquently, I talk about things I know nothing of. I ask God questions I really have no right to ask and no need to have answered. I should – I NEED – to be more conscious of saying, “I take back EVERYTHING I said…”

Because if I think I’ve only heard about God and don’t have that personal experience, I’m wrong. God has revealed His character to me time and again. I have seen Him with my eyes. Why does that not cause me to shut up and get my focus off myself?