“I gave him the wasteland…” Job 39:6a
/Challenging Job’s understanding of His ownership and providential care of creation, The Almighty presented another question: “Who let the wild donkey go free? Who untied his ropes?” (v.5) But, Pastor Steve, you may say, that’s two questions. In Job’s day, there were many times when a question was re-phrased to emphasize a point. The point God emphasized was the liberated life of the donkey – similar to the independent living provided to mankind.
Assigning the wasteland as the donkey’s habitat could give the load-bearer a reason to complain… which was Job’s intent when given an audience with God. The donkey, however, doesn’t complain about having the salt flats as his home (v.6). The pack animal laughs at the commotions man makes about life and living, even ignoring the shouts of any driver demanding submission from him (v.7).
In the Bible, there is a story of a prophet named Balaam who found himself in the middle of deciding between Balak, a leader of the Moabite tribe, and God Almighty. Balak invited Balaam to meet and discuss a possible treaty which would stipulate the Israelites giving up a portion of their inheritance to the Moabites. God, however, wanted Balaam to take a message from Him to the Israelites. Balaam roused God’s anger by not complying, and instead, packed his donkey for a trip to visit the Moabites.
During the trip, God had dispatched an angel to interrupt Balaam’s progress. Balaam, his two servants and the Moabites that were with them did not notice anything unusual on the trip. However, the donkey was enabled to see an angel with a drawn sword ready for battle. Three times, Balaam beat the donkey for not taking his direction. God was trying to give Balaam the opportunity to submit to His direction.
After beating the donkey the third time, God enabled the donkey to speak to Balaam. The donkey asked Balaam why he had been beaten three times. Then God opened Balaam’s eyes to see the angel. The entire story is found in Numbers 22 – 24, and is a strong lesson of understanding God’s plan for Israel.
It’s as if the donkey is teaching man how life is too short to be anxious for today or tomorrow. If we simply do our part in obedience to God, He will make all things turn-out for the good (read Romans 8:28). The donkey, by simply doing his day’s work, ‘mozies’ down the path to self-responsibility.
God endowed this animal with the rare ability to take one day at a time, expecting each day to take care of itself. That’s all the donkey may know. Though the hills may seem completely barren of any life-sustaining force, the donkey knows different – searching for ANY green thing to snack upon (v.8). He lives in a living trust established by God to all living things, doing his part to look for food while God does His part in providing the food for him.
God is teaching Job how the faith-walker is expected to:
accomplish the ordinary, trusting Him for the extraordinary;
exert her/his natural ability, expecting God to demonstrate His supernatural abilities;
attempt the possible, knowing God is able to do the impossible!
Whether your inheritance is a stunning mountain view or the salt flats, learn from God’s lesson of the donkey: live one day at a time, knowing God will supply every need; live with eyes open to God’s direction; live intentionally, being responsible for your effort in the covenant for living by faith.
Have a blessed day…