As Christians, we are challenged to deal with knowing and understanding who God is and the magnitude of His power. One of these challenges comes to us in Job, beginning in Chapter 38, and continuing through to chapter 41. God explicitly asks questions concerning Job's knowledge of, and participation in God's creative power.
God first draws Job's attention to the foundation of the earth. Then, the sea, the morning, the depths and death, and finally, light and darkness. “Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me." (Job 38:2-3).
Mankind, it seems has always offered advice to others attempting to solve problems or situations for a friend or loved one. Often that advice and counsel is welcome. Very often, though, the advisor is ill qualified to counsel. Job's friends engaged in offering him their cure for the catastrophic turn in his life
God broke into the conversation and confirms the inadequacy of Job's friends’ counsel. "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Who marked off its dimensions? Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone---while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?" (Job 38:4-7).
My imagination is too limited to comprehend His work, especially when I know that He was working with nothing but emptiness and darkness. (Genesis 1:1). God created creative people. Creative people seek to discover new and better ways. Throughout history God’s creative creatures have brought civilization from primitive living into an age of quicker and easier task completion. This progression was not achieved by man’s efforts alone. God provided the knowledge and the abilities to bring about the more productive life.
God’s point for Job and his friends to ponder is this.....”were you there when I planned the creation of the earth and everything in it? What part did you play in My creation? Show Me your contribution.” It is only when we can convince God we participated in the planning and the execution of the earth’s creation and everything in it, that we can, with confidence, question God's actions and offer our "expert" advice. Frankly, I am less than bold enough to do either.
Gary K Fair
