God Confronts to Comfort - Job 38-39

 Job 38:12-15 (ESV)

“Have you commanded the morning since your days began,

and caused the dawn to know its place,

that it might take hold of the skirts of the earth,

and the wicked be shaken out of it?

It is changed like clay under the seal,

and its features stand out like a garment.

From the wicked their light is withheld,

and their uplifted arm is broken.

God is now confronting Job.  For 37 chapters the story of Job has unfolded.   We have heard the narrative of what actually happened to Job, both the visible and the backstage shots.  We have sat in the front row as three of his friends attempt to paint him as a wicked man, while at the same time listening to Job defend his honor, albeit claiming a purity, even he did not possess.   We also, in the last few chapters read about Job’s younger friend, Elihu, who attempts to give them all perspective by simply asking, “What about God?  What does He think?”   

In the midst of Job’s suffering no one but Elihu suggested why don’t we ask God?   This is, no doubt, the number one issue with modern day counseling, but outside the Body of Christ and, regretfully, within the walls of the Church.   What does God have to say?  Well, in the rest of the chapters of Job that is what we get to hear.   God is now confronting Job.  Something we all must face.   Notice how God approaches the “counseling” session.  There is no couch, coffee or consoling.   God begins to “help” Job out of his suffering by challenging his mindset.   He (God) wants Job to consider how great and how big God is.   For these remaining chapters God asks questions about Job’s ability to know how He works in creation.  Oddly, God NEVER speaks to Job’s suffering.  God NEVER answers the questions He asked Job.  He simply makes Job see how awesome God is by asking questions Job could not answer.  That is God’s counseling method.   

In the above text, God asks Job:

1. “Job, do you order the sun to appear in the morning, at a set time, like a father commands his children?”  The answer is no, God does!!

2. “Job, do you take the earth and, like a rug, shake out the dirt and debris that has polluted God’s creation?”  The answer is no, but God does!

3. “Job, do you, like a signet ring pressed in clay that changes the very form of the clay, take the earth each day and shape and change it under the image of God?”  NO!  But, God does!!

4.  “Job, do you have the ability to correct, punish and confuse the wicked with your awesome power?”  No, but God does each day!!

Job is being confronted the way someone in depression and suffering should be confronted: With the knowledge of the awesome power of God.   

Philippians 2:12 (ESV)

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,