Message from Phil Adams, Principal JH/SH & Central Elementary

Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said:

"Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Dress for action like a man;

I will question you, and you make it known to me.
"Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell me, if you have understanding.
Job 38:1-4 English Standard Version

It’s a bit jarring to hear sarcasm coming from God Himself. It was probably pretty jarring to Job to have it directed at him. The best way to understand these verses is to read the 37 chapters preceding it. We know well the story of Job and the counsel of his “miserable comforters”. His friends, his wife, and Job himself thought they understood fully what was at issue. What they did not know about was the back story contained in the first two chapters. If they had only been aware of God’s purpose (which he apparently never did reveal), I bet the whole narrative would have been very different. And yet God did not see fit to inform Job of the reasons behind what was happening to him. Was Job’s situation unique? Is he the only one with a back story that serves to explain all that happens? My guess is probably not. God doesn’t give us any more information as to the why of our circumstances than he gave Job.
Why can’t I just trust the One who was there when the foundation of the earth was laid?