Job Gets His Wish

Job 38

Context
For 35 chapters, Job and his friends have been trading barbs while Job wishes God would give him a trial. Suddenly God appears on the scene!

Listening to the writer
Job has been spoiling for a fight. It appears God is ready: “Gird up your loins” (v. 3) means to tie up your robes around your waist (clothes were different then!).

God’s questions are all about creation. God asks: do you know how the world works? Were you there when it began? Can you control the weather or the stars? Do you take care of wild creatures? God’s argument with Job continues in this vein through chapter 41 (with a brief exchange at the start of chapter 40). It’s very good Hebrew poetry (as with most poetry, not as good in translation), but a bit of a puzzle to interpret. Here are a handful of others' guesses at what the writer was saying:
“God is bigger than you, so be quiet and behave.”
“Your problems are insignificant in comparison with God's.”
“You simply don’t understand what life is all about.”
“God's hands are full trying to run the universe.”
“There is a purpose far beyond your current pain.”

Listening to God
Job keeps wanting to talk with God and, unlike most of us, Job gets his wish. If you’ve ever challenged God with “Why?” questions, were you ready for God to ask questions back? When helping others with their struggles, do you think about whether they need comfort or challenge?

Just what is God’s main point? I suggest you listen for God’s word for you in this way: Find some issue you are struggling with God about, big or small. Pray briefly about it. Briefly but seriously consider the different interpretations listed above - they are different enough that some presumably rub you the wrong way, but try to at least understand what each one is saying. Then read as much of chapters 38-41 as you like, going slowly and thinking about the images that God describes. See if you experience God’s presence and if you receive any peace or answers to your struggle.

Miscellaneous Meanderings
After my whining about Congress and health care in Tuesday's post, at least something came out of committee. I don't know how much the bills reflect careful listening from different viewpoints, but perhaps the main lesson of Job is that complaining sometimes gets you what you ask for...

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