GOD ANSWERS JOB: Reflection by Cynthia Abegail

"And the Lord said to Job:  'Shall a fault finder contend with the Almighty?  Anyone who argues with God must respond.' "

(Job 40:1-2)

The story about God's challenge to Job is truly fascinating!  It shows the greatness of God Almighty.  Here is Job, with all the tragic consequences of the attack of the Evil One on his character, but with God's consent.  He began to curse the day he was born; with all of his leprous sores, with the loss of his beloved family, loss of abundance and dignity!

Yet, when God answered Job on Job 38 and 39, his eyes were opened and he was humbled: "Then Job answered the Lord:  I know that you can do all things and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.  "Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?"  Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me that I did not know.  Hear and I will speak, I will question you, and you declare to me.  I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eyes sees you; therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes."

Of course, we are not dealing with just a friend or a member of our family but we are dealing with an Awesome God, whose power is beyond compare.  There must be a decorum when we speak, when we challenge!  But God Almighty does not dictate. One may do as he wishes upon the dictates of his conscience but there are always consequences on our actions.  One may wish to burgle, but he can never escape the bounds of the nation's law and above all, God's law.  As a proponent of freedom, one decided to violate God's law, but the repurcussions are eternal.  Politeness is the rule of the thumb, how much more in contending with God's laws?