Bible Pathway - June 24
Read Job 38 – 40
Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? (Job 38:4-5).
A very large portion of the Book of Job is the conversation between Job and his friends. Each one of his friends took his turn making claims and accusations as to why everything was happening to Job. Then in turn, Job would respond to what each one had said.
The conversation goes on for quite awhile. At times, it even seems a little redundant. This is not saying the Word of God is redundant. The conversation itself is because time after time these friends keep insisting Job must have hidden sin, and Job defends himself against the claim.
There are several good reasons the Bible shares this entire conversation. One reason is to show that many times we may have to stand against the testimonies of those finding fault when there is none. It could seem endless to us, but sooner or later, it will draw to a close. Another lesson in the conversation is to be on guard against the things the friends accused Job of having done.
God interrupts Elihu's lengthy words, and finally Job and his friends are silent. Then, God chooses to speak. Some might feel, with all that was being said, that God should have interrupted sooner. The things God has to say are to Job. Job wanted an answer from God, and he was going to receive one. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you (Matt. 7:7).
The Almighty God responded to Job with a lengthy list of questions. All these questions are related to the awesome power of God. They also reveal the smallness of man in the grand scheme of things. In the verses here, God challenges Job to emphasize the fact that God alone was present when God created all things. Our God is truly omnipotent. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth (Matt. 28:18).
Many might believe this is a hard speech from a wrathful God. However, that is not the tone here at all. It is more appropriately recognized as the voice of a Heavenly Father speaking to His earthly son about lessons he needs to learn. Job needed to understand that man has no understanding of the ways of God. Also, even though man can never completely understand God, the providence of God will always move with man's best interest at heart.
Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him (Matt. 6:8).
Thought for Today:
Since God has spoken, we need to pay close attention (to His Word).
Word Studies:
38:1 Pleiades, the seven stars that stood for the 7 influences of spring; bands of Orion, storms; 38:9 swaddlingband, wrapping; 38:12 dayspring, dawn; 39:9 unicorn, wild ox; 40:4 vile, insignificant; 40:21 fens, marshes.
Christ Revealed:
As the One who laid the foundations of the earth (Job 38:4). By Christ, God created our universe (Heb. 1:1-2). All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made (John 1:1-3).
Prayer Suggestion: Pray, remembering that there is no one like God (2 Kings 19:14-15,19).
Optional Reading: Philippians 1
Memory Verse for the Week: Lamentations 3:22-23
