God is an easy target for blame. In the absence of a definitive, verbal voice, all the great disasters and misfortunes are easily laid at His feet. You've heard the reasoning (maybe even uttered it yourself): "If there is a God, why didn't He prevent so-and-so from dying? If there is a God, why didn't He prevent the earthquake / tornado / fire /etc ?"
So, is there any record whatsoever of God actually responding to such false allegations? You bet there is.
"Then the LORD said to Job, 'Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let him who reproves God answer it.' " (Job 40.1-2)
Thousands of years ago, a legendary man named Job endured unprecedented suffering and misfortune. Amidst it all, his faith remained resolute. But, apparently he was not totally blameless in his heart before God. God directly challenged his attitude with probing questions: 'Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? (verse 2) ... "Will you really annul My judgment? Will you condemn Me that you may be justified?" (verse 8).
What follows in Job 40 and 41 is a "dressing down" of Job by Almighty God. God challenges Job to match Him in strength, wisdom, and insight. Of course it's about as lopsided as a professional football player arm wrestling a ninety-year-old lady. As such, Job concedes in humility that "I retract, And I repent in dust and ashes." (Job 42.6)
We may have some inner doubts about God, His fairness, and His action or inaction. A little bit of Job may lurk in the recesses of our brains. A fresh revelation of our Father will remedy such things. A dynamic encounter will bring such issues to light.
I recommend a careful study of Isaiah 40 as one such way to deal with the "Job issues" within. This passage, coupled with fresh insight through His Spirit. will remedy doubt and false assumptions, and bring us humbly in faith before Him.
Those who point a cynical and accusing finger at the God Who often is silent will one day be forced to counter their charges in His presence. It will be anything but pleasant. Better that we should openly challenge these inner thoughts and doubts in the light of His presence and glory today. Such is the opportunity before us today.
May His overwhelming glory and majesty satisfy your doubts and concerns today.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
So, is there any record whatsoever of God actually responding to such false allegations? You bet there is.
"Then the LORD said to Job, 'Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let him who reproves God answer it.' " (Job 40.1-2)
Thousands of years ago, a legendary man named Job endured unprecedented suffering and misfortune. Amidst it all, his faith remained resolute. But, apparently he was not totally blameless in his heart before God. God directly challenged his attitude with probing questions: 'Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? (verse 2) ... "Will you really annul My judgment? Will you condemn Me that you may be justified?" (verse 8).
What follows in Job 40 and 41 is a "dressing down" of Job by Almighty God. God challenges Job to match Him in strength, wisdom, and insight. Of course it's about as lopsided as a professional football player arm wrestling a ninety-year-old lady. As such, Job concedes in humility that "I retract, And I repent in dust and ashes." (Job 42.6)
We may have some inner doubts about God, His fairness, and His action or inaction. A little bit of Job may lurk in the recesses of our brains. A fresh revelation of our Father will remedy such things. A dynamic encounter will bring such issues to light.
I recommend a careful study of Isaiah 40 as one such way to deal with the "Job issues" within. This passage, coupled with fresh insight through His Spirit. will remedy doubt and false assumptions, and bring us humbly in faith before Him.
Those who point a cynical and accusing finger at the God Who often is silent will one day be forced to counter their charges in His presence. It will be anything but pleasant. Better that we should openly challenge these inner thoughts and doubts in the light of His presence and glory today. Such is the opportunity before us today.
May His overwhelming glory and majesty satisfy your doubts and concerns today.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
posted by steve @ 8:57 AM
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