September 1, 2017
Job 40
Across Texas today people will start cleaning up from what is expected to be the costliest storm in U.S. history. But the most devastating part of this storm is the families that will be grieving the loss of their loved one.
The theological questions that always surface during the storms of life are the "WHY" questions. Why did God allow this catastrophic storm to hit us? These are the same questions Job had as he went through his storm.
Have you ever asked the "why questions?" "Why me?" "Why this?" "Why now?" "Why didn't God do something?"
During the storms of life God is always put on trial. Evil in the world is still a perplexing problem. The story of Job attempts to answer that issue. Even though the "WHY" question is never specifically addressed in this book, we do receive some hint of how to respond to the evil that is found in our world.
The first hint is that evil and terrible things happen to good people. At the beginning of Job's story we see a man who is described by God as blameless and upright. He is singled out by God when Satan argues that Job only believes in God because God has blessed him. Satan says that believers only love God when he becomes a "Sugar Daddy" and gives them all the good things of life.
In reality, God is not on trial in this story; Job and his faith are. What will Job do? Will he curse God if the beautiful life is taken away?
It is so easy to curse God when unspeakable tragedies come into our lives. It is natural for us to yell at the top of our lungs, "This is not FAIR!!!" But the truth is that life is not fair. Cancer is not fair. Lyme disease is not fair. Cerebral palsy is not fair. Wheelchairs are not fair. Hunger and poverty are not fair. Injustice is not fair. Infertility is not fair. Job's story is our story. Do we trust God when life is unfair?
A second hint is that if we ever did get our opportunity to challenge God's running of the universe, what would we say? When face to face with the splendor, majesty and wisdom of God, Job is completely overwhelmed and silent. He says, "I am unworthy- how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth." God goes on to address Job and says since we have this meeting, let me ask you a few questions. Job, do you know the equation I used to form the universe? How about the formula for making the constellations? Here is an easy one for you Job, do you know about the DNA that went into designing the crocodile? In the end Job saw himself as insignificant, ignorant and totally unable to face God. The revelation of God completely stopped his mouth.
Here is my encouragement to you today. Don't let the storms and disappointments of life cloud your vision of Jesus. We love him and we follow him not because he gives us what we want; we love him for who He is. We do have a choice in every storm. This choice doesn't ease the pain or exempt us from trials but it does bring healing by allowing Jesus to walk through the storm by our side.
Annie Johnson Flint put it this way in a poem:
God hath not promised, skies always blue,
Flower strewn pathways, all our lives through
God hath not promised, sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
But God hath promised, strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.
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