We are not God: Job 40

Introduction

Throughout the previous chapters of Job, Job has been complaining that God is being unfair to him. In the previous two chapters, God went into detail of his governance of His creation. He was showing Job His wisdom and His power. At the start of Chapter 40, God poses a question to Job. He says, “Shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty? He who argues with God, let him answer it.

Who are we to argue with God’s infinite wisdom and justice?

The Apostles had a similar complaint to Jesus in the book of Matthew

Matthew 19:27- 20:16

27Then Peter responded to him, “See, we have left everything and followed you. So what will there be for us?”

28Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, in the renewal of all things, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or fields because of my name will receive a hundred times more and will inherit eternal life. 30But many who are first will be last, and the last first.

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the workers on one denarius, he sent them into his vineyard for the day. 3When he went out about nine in the morning, he saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. 4He said to them, ‘You also go into my vineyard, and I’ll give you whatever is right.’ So off they went. 5About noon and about three, he went out again and did the same thing. 6Then about five he went and found others standing aroundand said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day doing nothing?’

7 “‘Because no one hired us,’ they said to him.

“‘You also go into my vineyard,’ he told them. 8When evening came, the owner of the vineyard told his foreman, ‘Call the workers and give them their pay, starting with the last and ending with the first.’

9 “When those who were hired about five came, they each received one denarius. 10So when the first ones came, they assumed they would get more, but they also received a denarius each. 11When they received it, they began to complain to the landowner: 12‘These last men put in one hour, and you made them equal to us who bore the burden of the day’s work and the burning heat.

13 “He replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I’m doing you no wrong. Didn’t you agree with me on a denarius? 14Take what’s yours and go. I want to give this last man the same as I gave you. 15Don’t I have the right to do what I want with what is mine? Are you jealous because I’m generous?’

16 “So the last will be first, and the first last.”

What are some of the things that you find unfair?

Correct Me?

Job 40:1-5

'The Lord answered Job: Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who argues with God give an answer. Then Job answered the Lord : I am so insignificant. How can I answer you? I place my hand over my mouth. I have spoken once, and I will not reply; twice, but now I can add nothing. '

We often make the same mistakes as Job. We feel that God should act and think as we do. We have to remember that we are made in His image, and not He in ours. We can’t expect to fully understand God.

God questions Job and, this time, Job answers properly. His example is something that we should follow. When we approach God for answers, we should do so with humility. God’s will is perfect, and His wisdom far exceeds our own.

This is something I have to remember when looking back at the things of the Old Testament. Some of the stuff comes across as unjust to me. Knowing that my judgment is inferior to Gods aids in my understanding.

All believers are going to receive the reward of eternal life. It doesn’t matter if we suffered more than others. It doesn’t matter if we have lived faithfully since birth, and someone else comes to know Christ shortly before death. None of us is deserving of salvation, and only receive a reward through God’s generosity.

Question My Judgment?

Job 40:6-9

'Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind: Get ready to answer me like a man; When I question you, you will inform me. Would you really challenge my justice? Would you declare me guilty to justify yourself? Do you have an arm like God’s? Can you thunder with a voice like his? '

Job had admitted his insignificance, but God wasn’t satisfied with his answer. He wanted Job to truly learn his lesson. Job had been unfairly questioned by his friends throughout the entire book. He should have known how it felt. From his friends perspective, Job must have done something to deserve God’s ire. Then, ironically, Job questions God’s motives.

Notice that God didn’t explain Himself to Job. We need to recognize that sometimes our suffering will remain a mystery, and we must trust in God’s plan.

We usually concern ourselves with only one side of justice. We think we can see how someone should be rewarded for good service. On the flip side of that, if we were placed in judgment, are we in a place to condemn those who sin?

He who is without sin cast the first stone.

Save yourself?

Job 40:10-14

10 Adorn yourself with majesty and splendor, and clothe yourself with honor and glory. 11 Pour out your raging anger; look on every proud person and humiliate him. 12 Look on every proud person and humble him; trample the wicked where they stand. 13 Hide them together in the dust; imprison them in the grave. 14 Then I will confess to you that your own right hand can deliver you.

Here we see God basically telling Job, “If you think you can teach the class, then come up here.”

Does God confront people today who question Him?

How does a season of difficulty reveal our weaknesses and ultimately strengthen our faith?

As Christians, we need to understand that God is at work in our lives, even when we don’t understand it. We are the crown of His creation, but even we pale in comparison to the Almighty God.

Only God has the wisdom and power to rule His creation.

We often try to bring ourselves to God’s level, which is impossible. Knowing that, out of abundant mercy, God came to us through His Son.

Jesus came down to earth to pay for our sins. We were all headed for destruction, but God was willing to show us mercy.