In Job 38 God finally confronts Job. He has Himself been quiet along the way, at least from the perspective of what was written. Now he meets Job and gives His response through a “violent storm”. And God begins a series of questions – a whole chapter full – to set the stage and get on the same playing field with Job. It starts like this: “Why do you talk without knowing what you’re talking about”? I love that question. I fall into that bucket far too often – thinking I actually know what I am talking about. But God makes it clear that Job, nor I, have any clue. “Where were you when I created the earth”? Great question….and the first of a few dozen like it asking for Job to explain the sun and lightning and oceans and every other part of His creation. If you want a chapter that speaks to the Creator of the universe, then Job 38 is a good place to look. God talks about many things He spoke into existence but even more importantly, makes it clear that today He still not only knows all the details but is in absolute control of His entire creation.
I particularly like his description of light and darkness: “As the sun brings everything to light, brings out all the colors and shapes, the cover of darkness is snatched from the wicked– they’re caught in the very act”! Light always wins out over darkness. Sometimes I forget that truth. Everytime you introduce light into an area of darkness, the light always shines. That is true in our lives as well. The way to drive out darkness and evil is to fill it with light. That means letting Jesus shine in us. That means putting the Light of this world into any area of darkness or sin in our lives. And it also explains why we are instructed to “let our light shine” in scripture. We are to be a beacon of light and hope that displaces the darkness around us. God asks Job this important question: “What do you have to say for yourself”? That question is coming your way soon. Do you have an answer? Are you ready to face God and explain what you have done with Jesus, the Light of life?
