Who Do You Think You Are?

Then Job replied to the LORD, “I am nothing—how could I ever find the answers? I will cover my mouth with my hand. I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say.” [Job 40.3-5]

In all of today's OYCB reading, God is essentially asking Job, "Who do you think you are?"

Job's answer, above, is telling. Job's answer is his confession that he had said too much. Job went too far. Job allowed his emotions to get involved and at some point, his pride took the opportunity to take control.

God is so good. However, in His goodness, He can allow pride to only go so far. It is probably not a good thing when God begins His discussion with these words:

Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them. [Job 38.3]

That whole "brace yourself..." phrase indicates to me that the "ride is going to be bumpy." In other words, it's about to get difficult.

It is, no doubt, a different attitude evident in Job (passage noted at beginning of this post) than the Job we see arguing with his three friends. The sarcasm is gone. The arrogance is gone. And this previously boisterous man now stands pathetically unequipped before Holy God. Yeah, he's in trouble and there is nothing he can do but repent.

What a great place to be! Why? Because he is now at the point of his turn. The events of his life are about to change. Following his repentance, Job is about to be restored!

Father, help me to be like Job. Help me, in my adversity, to realize my arrogance and pride, put my hand over my mouth, and say nothing more. You are everything - I am nothing. My life is Yours and as such, is secure (without my input).