CS Lewis wrote a book entitled, “God in the Dock” (or God on Trial), about how we as humans like to insist God justify His actions to us. Job demanded God explain and justify his horrible circumstances. Yet in Job 38:2, God flips the script putting Job in the hot seat to account for his resistance. “Who is this who darkens counsel without knowledge?” In other words, “Do you seriously think you’re wise enough to evaluate Me?” You see, to prove God wrong, we must have superior capabilities and wisdom.
Do you have any controversies with God? I remember strongly disagreeing with Him for allowing Stage IV metastatic melanoma cancer in me to progress to “days-to-live.” Fortunately, James 1:5 tells us God is patient to “give (wisdom) to all generously and without reproach” (or finding fault). God is not threatened by our questions, we can truly get real with God. But do we have the humility to receive and submit to His answers?
Who’s on trial now?
In Job 38-41, God gave Job a pop quiz to see if he had what it takes to correct Him. Here are just a few of God’s questions:
- Were you there to see how I laid the foundations of the earth and set the stars in place?
- Have you visited the trenches and deep water vents in the ocean – or the gates of death?
- Can you control the length of the day, seasons or rain and snow storms?
- Can you change the constellations – loosen Orion’s belt, bind the Pleiades (Seven Sisters), or guide the Bear and her cubs (Ursa Major and Minor) nightly and seasonally?
- Can you feed all of the animals and birds, and give the horse and ox their strength – and compliance?
- Did you give the ostrich her speed – and carelessness as a mother?
- Can you tame Behemoth (huge plant-eater), or hook Leviathan (crocodile)?
- Would you condemn Me to justify yourself?
Receive God’s answers
Job got the message and humbled himself to receive God’s answer. He governs everything, how much more our circumstances! The book of Job makes me marvel at how big God is yet how presumptuous I can be to think I know better!
Father, You are so worthy listen and yield to with Your infinite wisdom, power, and goodness!
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At the time, Jesus’ death seemed to be a huge setback, but it turned out to be the basis for our eternal salvation – more here.
