beyond our understanding

"Look up at the heavens and see;

gaze at the clouds so high above you. 

If you sin, how does that affect him?

If you are righteous, what do you give to him,

or what does he receive from your hand?"

- Job 35:5-7

Nothing. That's the answer. He is so much bigger than our sin, and we have nothing to offer Him. But how relieving is that? Our Father is different from all other gods because of this: He is constant and He does not need us to accomplish His master plan. Gaze at the clouds so high above you and realize how small you are. Realize how good He is. The skies proclaim His glory (Psalm 19:1) even amidst all the destruction of our world. In the chapter above, Elihu is speaking to Job about his individual sin but this can also be spoken to humanity. Sin and evil and chaos abound but our King is unaffected. It makes me think of the explosions in Boston and West, Texas. Both intentional and accidental, God reigns over all.

"God is mighty, but does not despise men; he is mighty, and firm in his purpose."

- Job 36:5

 He allows things to happen, but only out of love. Because if he put a stop to all evil, that would leave us as His puppets and not individuals who think on their own. He loves us so much that he allows us to choose to love him, rather than forcing us to! But giving us that choice means allowing sin to remain in the world. What human could come up with something like this? He has a plan beyond our capacity of understanding: a plan that man could never create. That's why people doubt and run from Him- we're sinners and we don't understand.

"But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering;

he speaks to them in their affliction."

- Job 36:15

Deliverance: rescue, relief; liberation

Words of comfort in a time where so many are hurting. 

My prayer is that we can be still, listen, and seek Him.

"He is wooing you from the jaws of distress

to a spacious place free from restriction,

to the comfort of your table laden with choice food."

- Job 36:16

God does not orchestrate the chaos that surrounds us but he does provide shelter from it, and before the ashes even settle he makes good things happen. He is always victorious over satan.

"Beware of turning to evil, which you seem to prefer to affliction."
- Job 36:21

Satan entices us with alternatives even when we know better. Jesus suffered so much for us and we are on this planet to live for Him, even if that means suffering for Him. Elihu says beware: this is our warning. Better to temporarily endure earthly afflictions than turn your back on our Savior. So i pray for the ignorant, those who don't know better, and i pray for the disobedient- those who do know and choose what appears easier.

"Who is a teacher like him?"
- Job 36:22

Not Ghandi or Buddha; they fit earthly descriptions of spiritual leaders. i heard a quote that declared that no religious leader other than Jesus made people cry "crucify him!" This is because He didn't fit the mold of what man expected our Savior to display. Because God doesn't play by our rules.

"How great is God– beyond our understanding!"
- Job 36:26

We cannot grasp His goodness until we arrive home.