You Can't Handle My Job! September 11 Readings: Job 39-40, 1 Corinthians 13, Psalm 105:30–36, Proverbs 22:20–22

Links to September 11 Readings: Job 39-40, 1 Corinthians 13, Psalm 105:30–36, Proverbs 22:20–22

This is a day that will live forever in infamy as long as the USA lasts. It was only 13 years ago that September 11 was just a Tuesday, a day like any other day. That all changed when terrorists attacked America and this date because 9/11, a day of sorrow and remembrance.

When these kinds of trials arise, our tendency is to ask God, "Why?" Why did you let that happen? Why didn't you stop it? Where were you when I needed you?

That is what Job was asking throughout his story. After God allowed Satan to take away everything precious in Job's life, he was confused. Why did God let this happen? His friends chimed in and told him it was karma, his own fault. What goes around comes around. Job got increasingly angry at them, and life, and even God, as he protested that view. He had done nothing that would necessitate God stepping in with such extreme judgment. In the middle of their argument, Elihu showed up and proclaimed the truth of God's glory, justice and goodness. He did not try to explain all that God had done, but he did defend the righteousness of God.

Then, God stepped in. In Job 38, God spoke directly to Job and the entire situation changed. It is when we have a direct encounter with God that our lives begin to change. He continues his message to Job in chapters 39-40, and into chapter 41 in tomorrow's reading.

His message is simple. He questions Job. Can you create? Can you manage creation? Do you know what is going on in this world at all times? What is God saying? He is reminding Job that there is a God and Job isn't him. God has a strength and power we cannot understand.

God is not bullying Job here, saying, "I'm bigger than you. Shut up and do as I say." No, God is reminding Job that he is big and strong and powerful, that he knows what Job does not know and can do what Job never could. His message to Job is simple:

I am God. Trust me. I know what I'm doing even when you don't understand my works. 

In chapter 40, he challenges Job, in verses 7-9.

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?

Do not demand to be God if you can't handle the job. And you can't handle the job! This world would be an utter mess if I were in charge. God is God. My job is not to tell him what to do or how to do it. My job is to submit to him, serve him, glorify him and seek him. 

That was the message of God to Job. Job, you can't see it, you don't understand it, but I'm still on the throne. I've got it under control. I'm handling it! I will glorify myself and produce your ultimate spiritual good through this. Just trust me. Don't try to figure out my sovereign plan, just trust me. Don't tell me what to do, just trust me. Don't question my justice, just trust me. 

Father, help me to trust you always, even when I do not understand your actions.