Then the LORD answered Job from the whirlwind: “Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words? [Job 38.1-2]
These are not the words anyone wishes to hear from the God of the Universe, Creator of all things!
In fact, one can be sure these are never words he or she wishes to hear from God.
For all that God challenges Job with in today's OYCB reading, Job's reply is pathetic:
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]
To be sure, any time a human must stand accountable before God, his or her response will sound pathetic. If only we could get past our pride before we run our mouths. A repentant attitude up-front is a good thing.
While men may exalt themselves and even be exalted by other men, when they stand before God, everything is different. We all too often forget just how supreme God is and how insignificant we are. Is it any wonder that pride is a particularly distasteful sin in God's eyes?
This brings up another point worth at least considering. Is it not amazing that God loves man when God is so infinitely supreme and man is not? There is nothing in man that compels God to respect him, and yet, God loves man with unimaginable intensity. Once we begin to comprehend this, we can see just how ridiculously misplaced human pride is.
Our best approach to God is in humility - stripped of any self-confidence whatsoever. And yet, the Apostle Paul tells us we may do this in boldness - not in self-confidence but in Christ-confidence.
Father, help us to preemptively strip ourselves of our self-confidence and pride before we have to be confronted by You! Help us to see Job's story as a life-lesson to help us prevent arrogance from ever entering our minds before You. You owed us nothing and yet You gave us everything! Thank You!
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