Job 38:1-11 (NRSV)
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Chapter 38Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind: Verse 2"Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Verse 3Gird up your loins like a man, I will question you, and you shall declare to me.
Verse 4"Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Verse 5Who determined its measurements-surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? Verse 6On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone Verse 7when the morning stars sang together and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy? Verse 8"Or who shut in the sea with doors when it burst out from the womb?- Verse 9when I made the clouds its garment, and thick darkness its swaddling band, Verse 10and prescribed bounds for it, and set bars and doors, Verse 11and said, 'Thus far shall you come, and no farther, and here shall your proud waves be stopped'?
Devotion
For the past thirty-seven chapters, God has said nothing to Job. Job has suffered unimaginable loss. He has lost his children, his wealth and his physical well-being—all because of a divine wager between God and Satan. The reader knows that God has allowed this tragedy as a way of proving to Satan Job's faithful character; but all of this is hidden to Job. Though Job prays for a response from God, the divine silence continues.
In times of suffering, we also demand answers. After national tragedies and scandals we leave no stone unturned trying to find a cause. Far too often a satisfying explanation eludes us. The cause of Job's suffering remains hidden from him, but God does not. Though Job does not get the answer he is looking for, he does encounter God profoundly and personally—and this is sufficient for him.
Prayer
Holy God, do not keep silent in my suffering, but speak, so that I may find peace in you. Amen.