Questions for God!

I read an interesting article in our local newspaper several years ago   about a man named Ernie Chambers.  I don’t know Mr. Chambers, and you probably don’t know Mr. Chambers either because he lives in Nebraska.  The newspaper article said that Mr. Chambers is seeking a permanent injunction against the Almighty because God has caused fearsome floods, horrendous hurricanes, and terrifying tornadoes. 

That newspaper article reminds me of a man named Job that we read about in the book of the Bible by the same name.  Though Job was a righteous man, we read that in a single swoop he suffers the death of all his children, the loss of all his possessions, serious health problems, and marital woes.  Job is angry, and he brings his charges before God just like Mr. Chambers does.   In Job 38: 1-8 we hear a portion of God’s response to his charges:  “1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said: 2 "Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? 3 Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. 4 "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand. 5 Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? 6 On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone- 7 while the morning stars sang together and all the angels ^[a] shouted for joy? 8 "Who shut up the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb”    For several chapters, God asks questions such as these to Job.    The Book of Job ends with Job realizing that he does not understand God and His ways, and Job praying for his friends. 

            The Book of Job reminds us of several things.   First, it reminds us that it is okay for us to cry out and question God.   In places like Job and the Psalms, we see persons cry out with their complaints to God.   There is no sin in asking God “why?”   We worship a God that is eager to hear the complaints of his creatures as well as their praises.  Secondly, this passage from Job also reminds us what a great God we serve and what a wonderful world God has created.  We serve a mighty, awesome God that has created us and all things good.   Thanks be to God.  Have a joy-filled week.-  Pastor Randy Wall

PRAYER

    O God,  we thank you that you love us so much that you are ready and willing to hear not only our praises, but also our complaints.   We praise you for creating all good things, and for our constant presence with us;  through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.