In my Bible reading this morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord” I read a passage that reminded me a little bit of conversations I had with my mom and dad as I was growing up. Back then I was a bit of a “know it all” and thought I had the answer to everything, and knew a lot more than I actually did. I’d “pop off” with my youthful arrogance about something, and with an edge of frustration in their voice they’d say to me, “OK ‘smarty-pants’ you know so much at the age of 13… do it then!… or solve the problem then!” And of course, I didn’t have the knowledge, experience or ability!
In Job 40:5-14 The Lord speaks to Job and says, “DRESS YOURSELF FOR ACTION LIKE A MAN; I WILL QUESTIONS YOU, AND YOU MAKE IT KNOWN TO ME…” and then challenges him about how much Job knows and what he is able to do… “Will you even put me in the wrong? Will you condemn me that you may be in the right? 9 Have you an arm like God, and can you thunder with a voice like his? Adorn yourself with majesty and dignity; clothe yourself with glory and splendor! Pour out the overflowings of your anger, and look on everyone who is proud and abase him! Look on everyone who is proud and bring him low and tread down the wicked where they stand! Hide them all in the dust together; bind their faces in the world below! THEN WILL I ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE TO YOU THAT YOUR OWN RIGHT HAND CAN SAVE YOU.
Sometimes we’re a bit like that with God… We think we know how He should run the universe and question what and how He is doing things. In this passage I believe the Lord is “putting things in proper perspective for Job” and in some ways putting Job “in his place” – reminding him of “who God is” and “who Job is” “OK, Smarty-Pants… You know so much and have the answer to everything, go ahead and try!” Sometimes we need God to remind us of Who He is and who we are!” When He does (however He does it) I believe our response would be like Job’s: “Behold, I am vile! What shall I answer you? I lay my hand over my mouth! Once I have spoken, but I will not answer; yes, twice, but I will proceed no further! … I know that You can do everything! And no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You! … I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful to , which I did not know… Therefore I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes.” (From Job 40:3-5; 42:1-5)
