Job 38:1-7
1 Out of the raging storm, the Eternal One answered Job.
2
Eternal One: Who is this that darkens counsel,
who covers over sound instruction with empty words void of knowledge?
3
Now, prepare yourself and gather your courage like a warrior.
Prepare yourself for the task at hand.
I’ll be asking the questions, now—
you will supply the answers.
4
Where were you when I dug and laid the foundation of the earth?
Explain it to me, if you are acquainted with understanding.
5
Who decided on the measurements? Surely you know that!
Who stretched out a line to measure the dimensions?
6
Upon what base was the foundation set?
Or who laid the cornerstone
7
On the day when the stars of the morning broke out in song
and God’s heavenly throng, elated, shouted along?
Do you like the biblical lesson of Job? There are many life lessons from Job’s story, but I really like the end of the book and the lesson God teaches not only Job’s “frenemies” who never stop verbally bashing him based on their own inflated arrogance before God, but Job himself has a minimized perspective of God, so he has a lesson in humility to learn, as well. Humility before God; we either learn it the easy way or the hard way. One day every knee will bow and every tongue confess Jesus (Phi 2:10-11).
Although our situation is different from Job’s, we have faced many challenges in a short period of time haven’t we? The enemy has been busy using fear tactics and seeking to beat down the divine hope, as well as devour God’s love, truth, justice, peace and trust that abides in the Spirit-filled Christ follower. The human race has suffered as a whole. I have watched the young people looting and rioting on television who think they have cunningly gotten away with lawlessness. Jesus teaches in Matthew 13:42 lawlessness will ramp up just before his return and “the angels will come and throw those who have practiced lawlessness into eternal fire.” Jesus also taught, the people who promote young people toward lawlessness will face the wrath of God (Mark 9:42). So, based on the Word of God I pray for the participants to wake up and know the Truth before it is too late.
I have listened to the politicians condemn and verbally destroy one another and think they will never reap the judgment they dish out. But Jesus teaches in Matthew 7:2, “For you’ll be judged by the same standard that you’ve used to judge others. The measurement you use on them will be used on you.” So, based on the Word of God I pray for the participants to wake up and know the Truth before it is too late.
And this last part is the most startling; I have watched social media posts and am simply amazed with how many people boast to know the secret motives of groups of people and civil servants including our elected President and therefore publicly call them out and condemn them with righteous indignation. Frankly, apart from the revealing work of the Spirit, we don’t even know the secret motives of our own hearts let alone discern the motives of others. Jesus says in Matthew 7:12, “In everything you do, be careful to treat others in the same way you would like to be treated for this is the essence of all teaching of the Law and the prophets.” So, when I read or hear the rants of others who are so sure his or her perspective on another person or people group is the gospel, I pray for them all to wake up and know the Truth from the Creator who truly is Omniscient about the secret motives of the heart. Jesus is the Revealer, so get ready, “For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are” (Ro 8:19). I have an inner witness many will be surprised.
So, I love God’s response in our passage from Job to those who cover over sound instruction (Word of God) with empty words void of knowledge. Be careful when you seek to judge another person in the natural, because the real issue is a war between good and evil going on in the spirit realm (Eph 6:12). Our battle is not against flesh and blood, it’s a spiritual battle and we had better get ourselves humble before the One who actually knows the Truth, is coming back to earth as the Judge, and will be asking us to give an account for our love and deeds according to the Word. Today is a new day and God’s mercies are new every morning, so let’s start today by actually modeling the Word of love with our lives and praying for people to humble themselves and turn to God! Remember the fig tree; if you believe you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer (Mat 21:22).
Prayer: Lord, your Word is my compass for living. It is all I can do to keep my heart focused on you, I don’t have time to criticize or judge others. Help me keep my heart humble and compassionate according to your Word. Call me to passionately pray for others to do likewise. In Jesus’ name. Amen.