Readings for today: Job 37:1-40:5, Psalm 19
I am blessed to be the father of four wonderful children. Each one unique in their own way. Each one different with a mix of gifts, talents, passions, and abilities. It has been one of the great privileges of my life to raise them but like anyone, we’ve had our moments. I remember when each of them hit about 8th grade. All of a sudden I went from being the smartest person in their world to the dumbest. It happened almost overnight. All of a sudden our conversations were challenging. All of a sudden there was conflict as they began to chafe under our rules. All of a sudden they questioned everything and it was hard to watch them make mistakes I could have helped them avoid. Thankfully, this phase came to an end after high school when all of a sudden I got smart again. ;-)
I thought about some of those conversations when I read God’s response to Job this morning. God’s knowledge is so much higher and greater than our own. His wisdom is vast. His understanding is deep. His power is infinite. Time holds no meaning for God. There is nothing in the universe that remains a mystery to Him. He created it all. He knows it all. He sustains it all. It is utter foolishness for human beings to question God. A conclusion Job rapidly reaches once God shows up. “God then confronted Job directly: “Now what do you have to say for yourself? Are you going to haul me, the Mighty One, into court and press charges?” Job answered: “I’m speechless, in awe—words fail me. I should never have opened my mouth! I’ve talked too much, way too much. I’m ready to shut up and listen.” (Job 40:1-5 MSG) Job is working off of limited information. He doesn’t see the whole field. He can’t begin to plumb the depths of God’s purposes. He can’t begin to fathom the reach of God’s plan. So he shuts his mouth and finally begins to listen.
Recently, I was talking to my oldest. She and I were reminiscing a bit about her time in high school and some of the challenges we faced and worked through. One of the things she shared with me was that she didn’t always appreciate the fact that I simply knew more than she did. Perhaps even more importantly, she didn’t always trust that our rules were designed for her safety and security. She believed our rules were restrictive when in fact they were set up to create an environment in which she could thrive. Even the hard stuff we asked her to do was for her good. Even those moments when she struggled with disappointment because she didn’t get her way or she had to delay gratitude or she had to suffer in order to build discipline whether in sports or music or academics was ultimately to help her grow and flourish as a young woman.
God is a good Father who loves and cares for His children. He never abandons us. He never forsakes us. He promises to take what this world meant for evil and turn it to our good. He promises to use all things - even human suffering - for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. His plans for us are good. His purpose is to bless us and keep us. He has designed our lives in such a way as to prepare us for eternity.
Readings for tomorrow: Job 40:6-24, 41-42, Psalm 29