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1 Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind: 2 "Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? 3 Gird up your loins like a man, I will question you, and you shall declare to me. 4 "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. 5 Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? 6 On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone 7 when the morning stars sang together and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy? 34 "Can you lift up your voice to the clouds, so that a flood of waters may cover you? 35 Can you send forth lightnings, so that they may go and say to you, "Here we are'? 36 Who has put wisdom in the inward parts, or given understanding to the mind? 37 Who has the wisdom to number the clouds? Or who can tilt the waterskins of the heavens, 38 when the dust runs into a mass and the clods cling together? 39 "Can you hunt the prey for the lion, or satisfy the appetite of the young lions, 40 when they crouch in their dens, or lie in wait in their covert? 41 Who provides for the raven its prey, when its young ones cry to God, and wander about for lack of food? (Job 38:1-7, 34-41 NRSV)
I was blessed growing up. I had the luxury of having what we called woods near our homes both in Kingsville and Houston. Both were nothing more than city blocks or partial blocks, but were overrun with trees, shrubs and weeds and provided space for growing and questioning boys to use as part of our growing up. The one block in Kingsville was my first woods, and it had a well-worn path that led to the railroad tracks, which were the continuation of a path towards downtown. In Houston, our first and second apartments were next door to each other, and behind both structures were about 1/4 of a city block that also had the same foliage that allowed us to call it our woods. It was in the woods that I had a chance to listen, think, and reflect on life. The woods allowed us how to see birds building nests, ants building their homes, and other creatures around us. And it's in the woods, that I picture Job standing, sitting, kneeling, laying and listening to hear God's answers to his questions. The same questions that I had not yet formulated, but asked, and the answers to which I saw in God's handiwork around us. Job got the straight answers; I enjoyed them before I could even read or try to read this book of Job.
The book of Job presents one of the most profound explorations of suffering, faith, and the human condition. In this passage, God responds to Job not with explanations or justifications but with a series of questions that highlight His sovereignty and the mystery of creation. The whirlwind serves as a powerful backdrop to God’s words, emphasizing the overwhelming majesty of the Creator in contrast to human frailty.
God’s questions are not mere inquiries; they challenge Job—and us—to consider the limits of our understanding. They remind us of our place in the grand tapestry of existence, where we often see only a few threads. “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?” is a call to humility. It prompts us to acknowledge that we are not the architects of our circumstances; rather, we are participants in a design far greater than we can fathom. I could have said, "I was not yet here, but I sure enjoyed what You did around me!"
When faced with adversity, we may find ourselves demanding answers from God, questioning His goodness and purpose. Yet, in these moments, we are invited to remember our position as created beings. God’s questions remind us that we do not possess all knowledge and that our understanding is limited. Instead of striving for answers, we are called to trust in the One who knows every detail of our lives and the universe.
Moreover, the imagery of God’s provision for the raven and the care for the lions illustrates His intimate involvement in the world. Just as He provides for these creatures, He is present with us in our trials, sustaining us even when we cannot see the way forward. In this recognition, we find comfort and strength, knowing that we are known and cared for.
PRAYER: Loving and awesome God, as we contemplate the grandeur of Your creation, we are reminded of our place in it. Forgive us for the times we have questioned Your goodness or sought answers in our limited understanding. Help us to embrace the mystery of Your ways, trusting that You are at work even when we cannot see it. May we find peace in knowing that You provide for all Your creatures and that we are held in Your loving care. Strengthen our faith as we walk through life's challenges, and may we always seek to listen more than we speak. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Consider the areas of your life where you seek answers or clarity. Rather than demanding explanations from God, take time to listen for His voice in the silence. Reflect on His majesty and trust in His providence, recognizing that He knows what is best for you.
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
