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CHAPTER 40 (ESV)

1 And the Lord said to Job:

2 “Shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty?
He who argues with God, let him answer it.”

3 Then Job answered the Lord and said:

4 “Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you?
I lay my hand on my mouth.
5 I have spoken once, and I will not answer;
twice, but I will proceed no further.”

6 Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said:

7 “Dress for action like a man;
I will question you, and you make it known to me.
8 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?

REFLECTION:

In the process of suffering, Job has long been eager to declare to God that he is innocent. But when God finally appeared before Job, he covered his mouth with his hand and kept silent, because he knew that he didn’t need to say anything at this moment. God let Job know that as a limited mortal in the presence of the Almighty Lord who created the heavens and the earth, he had neither the ability to judge God nor the qualifications to question God. God’s work will not be limited by us, and He will do what he thinks is best, whether we think it is fair or not. The main purpose of God’s appearance to Job was to show His love and care for Job. Like Job, have you argued with Almighty God? Do you ask God to respond to you when you are unhappy, such as when you are unemployed, your loved one is sick or dead, you have financial difficulties, or you experience unexpected setbacks? The next time you plan to blame God, think about how much love God has given you, and how Job responded to God. Do you complain more than Job, or do you obey God more than him? Please give God a chance to show His plan for you. But keep in mind that the timing of His plan is not necessarily the moment you expect.

PRAYER:

God, reading the Book of Job has deepened my understanding of Your greatness and majesty. As a mere finite human, I have no right to question You, the Almighty Creator of heaven and earth. Although some things may seem unfair from a human perspective, You govern all things and will act appropriately at the right time. Please reveal Your love and care to me, so that in any difficulty or suffering I encounter, I am willing to trust and obey You, allowing You to manifest Your plan for my life.

HYMN:

Listen to Our Hearts – m.youtube.com/watch?v=LxqHo2Pvfm0