Bible Studies
Job 38:1-7, (34-41) – Blameless Arrogance
Background:
Through four discussions with friends, Job has ranted, beseeched, and otherwise expressed a desire to take his case before God. He is certain that he will be able to convince the Lord that he remains “blameless and upright.” He feels that the pain he is suffering is unjust and God will remove it once he hears what Job has to say.
Key Verses: (NRSV)
- 1-2: “Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind: ‘Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?’” – God finally answers but his tone of voice is not what Job had expected.
- 4: “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me if you have understanding.” – God’s argument is basic: how could Job possibly question and understand God’s intentions for his life if he could not begin to fathom how God managed to create the universe?
- 5: “Who determined its measurements – surely you know!” – Sarcastically God suggests that Job’s arrogance was so complete that he must have become godly and knows everything there is to know.
- 34: “Can you lift up your voice to the clouds, so that a flood of waters may cover you?" – Job’s self-elevation to god-like status was being questioned and put into perspective.
- 39: “Can you hunt the prey for the lion…?” – God was not looking for answers with this series of questions. Instead, he was asking Job to submit to His power and sovereignty.
- Do you ever put God into a box?
Promises of the Gospel:
Job was “blameless and upright.” He “feared God and turned away from evil.” Job had read these headlines about himself and knew, in his heart, that he was blameless. He was arrogant, proud and self-assured. He was certain that if he could have his day in court he would easily defend his faithfulness. He would argue, debate, and coerce God into recognizing his innocence and removing the pain and suffering he had endured. Out of a whirlwind God appears and asks; who is this new god, Job? Where was he during the creation of the universe? Surely, with the degree of arrogance he exhibits, this Job must have been there; he must know all there is to know. Through these few verses Job’s pride and selfishness, along with our own controlling natures, are put into perspective. We fool ourselves into thinking we control the world around us. We make ourselves into “mini-gods,” manipulating, controlling, and managing. We dictate how God is to be involved within our lives. It is in the releasing of our arrogance, the surrendering to God’s sovereignty, and the recognition that God is in control that we discover that His Light will shine and light a pathway through the darkness of our struggles.
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...recognition that God is in control that we discover that His Light will shine and light a pathway through the darkness of our struggles. I love the way you wrapped up you write. Spectacular! Powerful! The title is quite gripping, as well. Much said in few words. I am a United Methodist member, too. My church is at www.wmsumc.org. You may want to visit. I am from North Carolina. My daughter moved to Irving, Texas last February. I can hardly wait until November. Kim and I will be meeting at the airport in Albuquerque. I can't wait. Who knows. We may visit your church. Thank you for writing this message. Bev
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