Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said, “Who is this that darkens counsel By words without knowledge?” Job 38:1, 2 (New American Standard Bible)
We all know the story of the most unfortunate man in the Bible; that of the godly man Job. He suffered tremendous agonies at the hand of Satan and became so worn down with travail and grief toward the end of his trial that he began to question God’s motives for his life.
It is surprising how many think they know better than the most powerful, wise Sovereign of the universe. God is perfect in all He does, including His understanding and wisdom. He sees beyond the present to situations that will bring growth that could lead us to seek Him with greater thankfulness and hope. People (including many Christians) are too quick to second guess God’s choices for their lives and the lives of others with such statements as “If I were God I would have done it this way” suggesting He had no clue as to what He was doing. When we look at that statement in its framework the absurdity of it is more than apparent. It could be likened to Peter telling Jesus when the Lord spoke of going to His crucifixion, “Not so, Lord! (Matthew 16:22).” How can you say no to Him if He is Lord?
The Lord goes on to question Job’s flawed concept of Him. “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth!” He goes on asking penetrating question after question (Job Chapters 38, 39 & 40) making it plain to Job no one has the authority to rightly judge the things God does for He is the Perfect Ultimate in the entire universe. One of the most penetrating questions from God is “Will you really annul my judgment? Will you condemn Me that you may be justified (Job 40:8)?” Job had nothing more to say except to confess his wrong conclusion of the Lord. God wants us to ask questions about Him but that’s much different than questioning His character. Since He is God He knows all things and how to handle them perfectly. Challenging God is giving darkened counsel with words without knowledge. God’s answer to Job reveals exactly who He is. Asking God who He thinks He is might be turned around with Him asking “Who do you really think I am?”
Ken
www.devotionstoday.blogspot.com