“…he leaves a glistening wake…” Job 41:32a

The Almighty completed His teachable moment for Job with final remarks on the leviathan. Note how God becomes more definitive in His remarks:

• “He makes the depths churn like a boiling caldron…” (v.31a);

• “…and stirs-up the sea like a pot of ointment.” (v.31b);

• “Behind him, he leaves a glistening wake…” (v.32a);

• “Nothing on earth is his equal – a creature without fear.” (v.33);

• “He looks down on all that are haughty…” (v.34a); and

• “…he is king over all that are proud.” (v.34b)

Verse thirty-one depicts a character trait of satan always stirring things up. The very next verse remarks on the results of Beelzebub’s activity: leaving a wake that looks like a bull in a china shop – broken, glistening shards of glass everywhere… enough to make the bottom of the lake look as if a bus-load of seniors just got a haircut (v.32b).

All creatures on earth, including man, have a fight or flight impulse built into their defensive mechanisms. The crocodile, however, is described as a creature without fear. In his foolishness, satan did achieve some measure of royalty… he became king of all the proud – the very action that precipitated his fall from Heaven. Indeed, pride does go before a fall.

What kind of wake do you leave behind? If someone bumps a person holding a cup of hot coffee, the coffee is likely to spill over. What would come spilling over from within the person? If you get bumped by life, what spills over to those around you? A wake of destruction or a wake of self-control and peace.

Jesus said we would be known by our fruits (read Matthew 7:16-20; also Galatians 5:22-23). Are the fruits mentioned in Galatians the kind of responses you give whenever you are ‘bumped’ in life?

He leaves a glistening wake may very well be God’s description of the accuser. It was by his accusations this entire episode in Job’s life began. Pray for God to give us eyes to see, that we may be aware of the unseen events going on in the spiritual dimension… and pray for strength in case God points you out to satan as an outstanding example of righteous living.

Have a blessed day…

“Strength resides in his neck…” Job 41:22a

This next passage reveals the full measure of God’s artistry in describing the crocodile:

“His back has rows of shields tightly sealed together; each is so close to the next that no air can pass between. They are joined fast to one another; they cling together and cannot be parted. His snorting throws out flashes of light; his eyes are like the rays of dawn. Firebrands stream from his mouth; sparks of fire shoot out. Smoke pours from his nostrils as from a boiling pot over a fire of reeds. His breath sets coals ablaze, and flames dart from his mouth.” (vv. 15 – 21)

Even the casual reader would notice the shift from pure observable descriptions to a more poetic description of the beast. Why the change? Well, I believe God had a purpose for it: to describe the one who roused a third of heaven in a celestial civil war against The Almighty. Before satan was called by that name, he was a cherub angel that covered the throne of God with his wings (read Ezekiel 28:14). This role held the highest esteem among all the angels and intimated his close proximity to The Almighty.

In eternity past, this cherub angel known as the “bright and shining one” (Isaiah 14:12), which in Hebrew is, “ הֵילֵ֣ל” (pronounced, hal ‘al). When the Latin Vulgate was created (translating the Hebrew literature that had been canonized, what we know as The Old Testament, into Latin), the translated Latin word was not a proper name, but an adjective – to accurately reflect the original Hebrew word. Most theologians agree on the retelling of Lucifer’s fall, found in Ezekiel 28:12-17, when he became so enamored with himself that he began coveting God’s rightful position as King – wanting glory God was receiving to be transferred in recognizing his high rank and the prestige of being so close to The Almighty.

With the aforementioned in mind, let us look at the Job passage sited above: satan is so wound up that he is ‘uptight’ – his shields tightly sealed together intimates that the bright and shining one was closed to other relationships… it was all about himself. His snorting that sent out flashes of light seems to intimate the contentious spirit of Lucifer after his pride overcame him. And firebrands streaming from his mouth cannot be confused with anything other than insurrection, fueling the fires of angelic mutiny. Sad to think about… the two words don’t seem to go together do they… “angelic mutiny”.

Then, The Almighty described the beast’s neck, stating, “Strength resides in his neck; dismay goes before him.” (v.22) Lucifer knew God had bestowed many positive traits upon him: light, a wide wing-span to cover Heaven’s throne, and, perhaps, strength. Like the fierce crock, Lucifer may have been able to turn his neck quickly and castigate any angels who would dare approach him in a corrective move (vv. 23 – 24). Perhaps he intimidated the heavenly creatures with a chest as hard as rock… even the mighty arch angels may have retreated before him in terror (v.25).

Perhaps the heavenly arsenal was useless against him as well: the sword had no effect; neither did the spear, dart or javelin. They were as straw and rotten wood (vv. 26 – 27). Arrows and sling-stones were only a nuisance to him (v.28); and a war club had about as much an effect on him as a piece of straw (v.29a). Satan’s insurrection became so evident that he laughed at the preparations heaven made to remove him from Heaven (v.29b).

So, we see that God may breathe one part of scripture to reflect His own might and fierceness, while inspiring the very next section for His purposes for describing a time that must have broken His heart: civil war in Heaven. Oh, how He must have grieved when one third of the legions of angels were ejected from His Kingdom… never to return.

Perhaps, that is the origin of sin? Before creation or this dimension ever existed, eternity past recorded this dreadful insurrection, proving God’s might and justice when His side won (spoiler alert: God always wins… always… in the end He will win).

Do any of the croc’s characteristics have a familiar ring? Would others describe you in the same way God may have been describing satan? Turn your neck away from pride and bow the head and knee to The King of Kings. It will be far better to bow before Him now, acknowledging Him as your Savior and Lord, than to bow before Him at the judgment and be forced to acknowledge His Lordship (read Romans 14:11; Philippians 2:10).

Have a blessed day…

“Who dares open… his mouth…” Job 41:22a

The style of God’s dialogue changed in the last two thirds of the chapter. Up to this point, God had directed factual, observable descriptions of Creation to Job (read chapters 38 – 40). A noticeable change occurred in language style from factual to metaphorical in chapter fourty-one. It was a smooth transition, though, beginning with speaking of the crocodile’s strong limbs which, in God’s eyes, moved gracefully (is God describing a horse or a reptile? Perhaps the crocodile’s physiology changed over time? See v.12).

God had three last questions for Job to consider:

1. “Who can strip off his outer coat?” (v.13a);

2. “Who would approach him with a bridle?” (v.13b); and

3. “Who dares open the doors of his mouth, ringed about with his fearsome teeth?” (v.14).

Have you ever seen a crocodile rodeo? What a sight that would be!! No-one would dare ride on such a tough outer coat as that of a rip-snortin’ croc! It would be much different than riding bareback on a horse. The croc’s outer hide would have to be cut away to be saddled… that would be a hard enough challenge for even Crocodile Dundee, much less any man who had never had any interaction with the monster. I saw a movie once where Tarzan wrestled with a crocodile in an African river and barely came out alive (but that’s Hollywood).

Once the short-legged reptile had been saddled, then someone would have to be crazy enough to get a bridle in the leviathan’s mouth. God’s question was an excellent one: what human being would dare open the mouth of a crocodile on purpose? God pointed out the obvious when He spoke of the reptile’s fearsome teeth. Perhaps the only teeth as fearsome would be those seen in a live open-mouthed shark. I have no desire to find out.

Perhaps, God’s question was a bit tongue-in-cheek? “Who dares open the doors of his mouth?” Could there have been a hidden double meaning behind the query? It was Job’s mouth that got him into the drama playing before his eyes. Job just could not remain silent. In a small way, all of us know how Job felt: justified to speak up about being ill-treated; seeking self-vindication for being tossed-out into the garbage-heap of downsizing; beckoning the ear of those who could sympathize with him over the trauma and loss he experienced.

Does God sometimes see our teeth as jagged and ready to snap at him or any of His children? Are we like the crocodile who is untamable? Or would we find that when He has remade our hearts, we become gentle, kind, longsuffering, and soft-spoken?

Learn from God’s description of the crocodile… be ‘tame-able’ for His purposes.

Have a blessed day…

“No one is fierce enough…” Job 41:10a

The Almighty challenged Job’s assumption of approaching Him with accusations, as similar to that of one who would rouse a sleeping crocodile (v.10). If anyone tried, they would surely never forget it, and never try again (review v.8). The same is true when one challenges the wisdom of God’s providence. There may be bold words on earth, only to kneel before His judgment seat and proclaim Him as Lord (read Isaiah 45:23; Romans 14:11; and Philippians 2:10).

God provided Job a follow-up question: “Who then is able to stand against me?” (v.10b) As Creator of the fierce crocodile, how much more guarded must man be in approaching God with preconceptions and agendas contrary to God’s way of redemption. Job had been as one approaching a resting reptile, demanding an audience with his Creator.

So, God pointedly asked Job, “Who has a claim against Me that I must pay? Everything under heaven belongs to Me.” (v.11) Finally, Job had to come face to face with the fact that everything – including all life – is the property of The Creator… even Job himself (read Ephesians 2:10). God has a right to control how He sees fit. However, God neither sees or treats us as toys to be discarded at His leisure. We are unique among all creation, being made in His image – with a heart that is able to discern good from evil, right from wrong. This spiritual side of man allows one to enter into relationship with His Creator.

God is Ruler and Sustainer of all there is, and He never slumbers or sleeps (read Psalm 121:4). No one is fierce enough to approach Him unannounced or uninvited. After all, He is The King. Even satan had to give an accounting for his actions. Believers, though, can approach Him unhindered – as His children (read Romans 5:2: Hebrews 10:19).

We need not muster any courage to approach our Father. He is already waiting for us; ready to welcome us into His open arms.

Have a blessed day…

“Will traders barter for him?” Job 41:6a

“Will traders barter for him?” Job 41:6a

Just as a crocodile would never submit to any agreement making him a slave for life (v.4), so the monster would be totally inappropriate as a leashed pet for one’s daughters (v.5). Neither would traders ever have attempted to barter for the croc, unless a way was found to kill the beast and divide him up (vv. 6 – 7). In Job’s day, harpoons and spears had no ability to penetrate the well armored leviathan.

God reminded Job the reality of the croc’s fierce and quick reflexive maneuvers to defend himself, becoming the aggressor, and not the victim… the hunter, and not the hunted. In fact, anyone who would dare lay a hand on the reptile would wish to take back the decision; and if one lived to tell about it, surely one would never attempt to do it again (v.8).

Any hope of subduing the crocodile (singlehandedly) is false, as the mere sight of the monster is enough to send cold chills down one’s spine (v.9). The reptile is wild and knows no other reality but to live wild… defending his territory and freedom to the death.

Could God be using the crocodile as an example of His fierce love for humanity? The Lord Himself, defended His territory of the souls of man, and died to prove it. I believe the phrase, “Will traders barter for him?” is prophetic and points directly to Christ’s death on the cross. They divided up his clothing among themselves (see Matthew 27:35), and bartered for his clothes using dice.

God’s love for us is extreme, wild and untamed… as fierce as the crocodile’s power and temper. His love is a force not to be reckoned with lightly. When God speaks, one best reply as the boy prophet Samuel did, “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.” (read 1 Samuel 3:1-10) He’s just wild about you!

Have a blessed day…

“Will he make an agreement…?” Job 41:4a

God’s last object lesson comes in the form of the crocodile… called “the leviathan” in the story. Once again using queries to make His point, God describes the ‘croc’ by His questions:

• “Can you pull in the leviathan with a fishhook…” (v.1a);

• “…or tie down his tongue with a rope?” (v.1b);

• “Can you put a cord through his nose…” (v.2a);

• “…or pierce his jaw with a hook?” (v.2b);

• “Will he keep begging you for mercy?” (v.3a); and

• “Will he speak to you with gentle words?” (v.3b).

Of course, the entire interrogative list can only be answered negatively. A fishhook may get caught in the ferocious reptile’s mouth, only to be carried with it for the rest of its life. Who would dare even try to tie down a croc’s tongue? Neither can a croc be strung like a catch of fish.

Where does mankind get his sense of humor? By being made in God’s image, of course. And God’s sense of humor shone through when He asked if a crock would beg for mercy. It’s enough to make you roll over in laughter to consider it. There is a reality TV series called, “Swamp People”, which follows the day-to-day activities of hunters living in the swamps of the Atchafalaya River Basin whose profession is hunting alligators. If you’ve ever seen even one episode, you would quickly see the torrent of strength and ferocity of even a young gator six or seven feet long, not to mention the older fifteen-foot gators! The Chinese and American gators are smaller cousins to the leviathan crocodile… a beast that would never beg for mercy.

Neither would a croc ever be found speaking gentle words. The angry growl of a croc has just enough hiss in it to warn any approaching challenger of a fight that will never end well… except for the croc. No… the croc will never make a peace treaty with mankind or the rest of creation until Christ’s reconstruction of earth.

Just as the leviathan’s nature is not one for bargaining, neither is The Almighty One to be bargained with. The aquatic monster reflects God’s untamed might, power which man should never contest. Will He make an agreement? God has already offered an agreement… a covenant made through Abraham thousands of years ago: the entire world would be blessed through Abraham’s seed. That blessing came in the person of Jesus Christ. Will you accept His agreement: “Come unto Me, you who are weak and heavy laden and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Have a blessed day…

“…his maker can approach him…” Job 40:19b

Will you get your Bible out and read Job 40:15-24? Then follow along with me as we look into the passage.

God had taken Job through Creation 101, revealing a myriad of geological, astronomical and meteorological phenomena (read chapter 38:1-38). Then God presented a menagerie of zoological examples, demonstrating His creativity and superior knowledge in providing both a suitable environment and DNA for each creature mentioned (read 38:39 – 39:1-30). Bringing His examples to a glorious climactic moment, God points Job to the behemoth, which was described as ranking first among the works of God (read 40:15 – 24)!

Many theologians interpret the behemoth as a hippopotamus, though I lean more toward a diminishing number of prehistoric creatures – remnants from the age of dinosaurs (Possibly a seismosaurus or bruhathkayosaurus? Look them up.). The behemoth may very well have been a forerunner of today’s hippo, only with a longer, more substantial tail that would “sway like a cedar” (v.17a). Today’s hippo’s have rather short tails… much too short to be described as a swaying cedar.

In any case, like the hippo, the behemoth lived among the reeds and lotus plants of the marsh areas, feeding on vegetation (v.15b & 20a). Young wild animals were not afraid to venture close to the behemoth, playing their games of dominance (v.20b). The behemoth, like the hippo was, however, a force to be reckoned with: a powerful chest and belly; muscular, close-knit thighs; a substantial skeletal frame likened with the strength of bronze and iron (vv. 16 – 18).

Being first among God’s works, to me, means the behemoth had been around for a long time… since the beginning of time on earth. God designed and created the behemoth just as He designed, created and breathed life into Adam and Eve (v.15). God had a purpose and plan for the behemoth, just as He has always had a purpose and plan for mankind.

Having asked Job if he would condemn The Almighty for the purpose of justifying himself (v.8b), God seems to imply two other questions:

1. Would he crush the wicked to exalt himself? (vv. 12 – 13)

2. Would he choose to create such a useless creature as the behemoth? (vv. 15 – 24)

I imagine the behemoth may have been as much an oddity as the hippopotamus. Dominant, yet a ‘gentle’ herbivore (since the fall of creation, all animals can demonstrate the wild trait of territorial protection and their fight for survival). Theologian David McKenna provides insight into this scriptural passage, saying the hippo is “ugly and useless… a ludicrous creature.” Then he extrapolated this meaning: “Beauty and the value of persons or events on their utilitarian merits is useless in each of us,” citing the anomaly of the animal kingdom as “a precious example of God’s grace” (The Communicator’s Commentary – Job, Word, 1986).

The behemoth, according to McKenna, was really out of place in the wild kingdom – having no real function or special quality setting it apart. Perhaps the behemoth or hippo is a humorous example of God’s grace? The bull in the China shop of creation… who fouls up a neat and orderly jungle by plowing through it, only to sink into a muddy riverbed up to its bulbous eyeballs. Could God’s reason for the hippo or behemoth be just to keep us laughing at the ludicrous in our own selves? If not the behemoth, certainly the platypus! McKenna maintains that “beauty and function are not the conditions of God’s grace. Among the contingencies of His creation are ugly and useless creatures or circumstances for which the purpose seems unknown.” (Ibid) God may have provided the hippo or behemoth to remind us of His continued grace for the moments when we demonstrate ugliness or treat the precious gift of time in a useless manner.

There are other lessons to be learned from this passage, but suffice it for now to accept the difficult lesson that there are times when our lives may be just as ugly and useless as the hippo’s. Yet, God, our Maker, can approach us with the sword of His Spirit (v.19b; Ephesians 6:17b)… holding out His Word to us, so that our ugliness can be seen through the lens of eternal truth. He seeks us out, calling our hearts to His (John 4:23). He is good all the time.

Have a blessed day…

“…look at every proud man…” Job 40:11b (and 12a)

Cutting to the chase, God had confronted Job with the harsh reality of condemning God to justify himself (v.8b). To ensure Job remembered the teachable moment, God challenged Job further, exposing a clear distinction between the created and The Creator: “Do you have an arm like God’s, and can your voice thunder like His?” (v.9)

Job had demanded the opportunity to present his ‘case’ before God – accusing God of harsh treatment toward a righteous man. However, God would only admit such if Job could prove equal footing with Him (v.14). In fact, Job would have to provide more evidence than being created in God’s image. He would have to adorn himself with glory and splendor, and clothe himself with honor and majesty (v.10). IF Job could pull it off, all of Heaven would offer honor to him, for he would then be on equal footing with The Son.

If God is capable of goading someone for His own righteous purposes, then God’s next statement from Heaven’s throne may be a good example for it: “Unleash the fury of your wrath, look at every proud man and bring him low, look at every proud man and humble him, crush the wicked where they stand.” For Job to effectively execute the challenge, the first person he would have to bring low is himself. That’s precisely the point God may have been making. Just as Jesus taught His disciples to take the proverbial plank out of their own eye before removing the splinter from another’s eye (read Matthew 7:4-5; Luke 6:42). In other words, the idea of Job accusing The Creator would be utterly ridiculous! How was Job to search the entire world for wicked, proud men? He didn’t have to… he need only look in the mirror.

The only place for those who would dare taunt their wickedness before God is the grave. All proud, corrupt people will return to dust (v.13). Though they may have a ‘hay-day’ on earth, there will be hell to pay before Heaven’s Judge and King. It may not be in this life when the wicked get their just desserts; but there is the life to come where one may be forever banished from Heaven’s joy or be welcomed into it.

Though Job had begged God to take his life, his time to die had not yet come. God still had plans for Job. Not only that, Job’s continued living was a testament to his earthly accusers that wickedness was far from him, and their world-view was dreadfully mistaken. What about our world view? Could we be clearly as mistaken as Job’s friends? Some people do not believe in God. If you are one, would you take the moment to consider the evidence for His existence? Read Romans 1. Many do not believe Jesus is returning to earth, while the evidence for His imminent return is all around us! Search for it in the sacred texts.

Do not be a part of the judgment ‘line-up’ when God will look at every proud man and pronounce judgment upon their sin of pride and disbelief. At the root of atheism and agnostic thought is pride – deeming oneself as self-sufficient without the need for the ‘crutch’ of faith in God. God’s love is long suffering… don’t wait until your dying day to find out the eternal truth.

Have a blessed day…

“Would you discredit my justice?” Job 40:8a

Job’s motivation for an audience with God was to affirm his right to state he had been treated harshly – that God didn’t care enough to protect him from the devastation brought down upon his family and property. God promised Job to admit wrong doing if he could demonstrate equal power and glory to God’s (vv. 9 – 14). Otherwise, Job was treading on a slippery slope, discrediting God’s wisdom to justify himself (v.8b).

How often do we discredit God’s wisdom and justice? Job had not even seen the rest of the story he was about to live. He would see God’s redemptive justice and come to understand the contest between God and His adversary. Job never knew he was being touted as an example of righteous faithfulness by God before all of Heaven. It was actually a compliment… an accolade of suffering which Job had been granted to demonstrate his abiding faith in The Father.

Would any of us react similarly to Job? Would we stop to consider how God may present satan another challenge by offering any of our lives as an example of faithfulness? The singer, Steve Green, recorded a song years ago which describes a Believer’s desire to be remembered as faithful:

“O may all who come behind us find us faithful, may the fire of our devotion light their way.

May the footprints that we leave lead them to believe; And the lives we live inspire them to obey.

O may all who come behind us find us faithful.”

Words by Jon Mohr © 1987 Birdwing Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)

God help us to live in such a way that points others… especially those we love, to Christ.

Have a blessed day…

“…The Lord spoke to Job…” Job 40:6

Most often, God speaks in the stillness of a moment… with a quiet, comforting voice. Such was not this case the second time, as God was speaking to Job, once again, from a storm. The Lord is long-suffering and patient to a point; once God has offered many opportunities for one to recognize His greatness without results, the voice of authority and discipline becomes present: God’s voice from the storm of His wrath.

What did Job hear in the storm? God prepared Job’s heart with the same words spoken earlier (see Job 38:3): “Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.” (v.7) Having shriveled before God (vv. 4 – 5), God once again directed Job to ‘man-up’, for he was about to receive a more direct line of questioning. God was going to require Job to give an account for his words.

Have your words ever come back to haunt you? It has been said that the words from one’s mouth should be pleasant and good, for one never knows when one may have to eat them. There is a measure of grace present in God’s address to Job – he didn’t smite him on the spot; neither did He turn His back on Job. God’s grace was present in continuing the dialogue.

We can learn from this moment in the story. We can learn from God’s example to keep the dialogue going with those who may be angry with you. We needn’t write-off another over hurt feelings. We live in a convenient society; so much so, that now relationships have to be convenient and non-threatening or we discard the relationship like a piece of trash. It’s actually become quite popular. It’s called, removing the drama from one’s life.

Isn’t it the drama that makes for interesting life? Isn’t it worth investing in another to save a relationship which may have been built on years of trust? A relationship can come out of conflict stronger than ever if both sides find a mutually agreeable point of compromise. If not compromise, simply agreeing to disagree about certain things without being disagreeable. God help us if we will throw away a relationship, even by a careless action which may have caused pain. Christians especially should be able to work through their offences and disagreements.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to end up like Job: hearing God’s voice from the storm. I prefer His soft, gentle voice.

Have a blessed day…

“…I will say no more.” Job 40:5b

Although he did speak again to The Lord, Job remained silent through God’s final address. The teachable moment for Job had arrived. The quiver of God’s queries had hit their mark, and Job realized his unworthiness to reprimand The Creator, as well as his own inability to respond on the questions previously addressed to him (v.4a).

Job admitted his impulsive nature of speaking out of turn (v.5), and resolved to speak no more -symbolizing such by placing his hand over his mouth (v.4b). Job had learned that there really was a time to speak and a time to keep silent (read Ecclesiastes 3:7).

Holding one’s tongue is quite difficult for most. We more closely resemble young Elihu, who felt compelled to speak (see Job 32:20), having held back his words while others spoke first (see Job 32:11). And while he kept his thoughts, the words kept filling his mind, to the point that he was like bottled up wine about to burst (see Job 32:19)! Have you ever felt that way? Most of us have.

There are times when silence is golden:

• Witnessing a sunrise or sunset at the ocean;

• Being present during the delivery of a baby;

• Comforting one during his/her last moments on earth;

• When one has nothing nice to say to another; and

• When seeking God’s presence.

Simply being still and experiencing God’s presence is a discipline worth attempting. Failure in one’s attempts to do so only fuels the passion for trying again to hear the still-small voice of God. When you are still… chase all other distracting thoughts away. Keep the central focus of your thinking on the grandeur, majesty and awe of God’s presence, power, provision, and protection.

Allow thanksgiving to well up within, instead of words to burst out upon another. Then release the moment of thanksgiving as a doxology of worship to The Lord.

I will say no more…

“The Lord said to Job…” Job 40:1

Hearing God’s voice is often quite difficult. One must learn to be still for discerning God’s whisper amidst the clamoring voices of the world (read Psalm 46:10; 1 Kings 19). Wisdom calls us from life’s tempestuous seas, bidding us to come aside from the world for a bit and receive guidance for navigating through the tumult to arrive safely in the bay of God’s peace.

Oh, the voices of life’s calamity… the cacophony of confusion, chaos, crises, and cries of mockery in the streets (read Proverbs 1:20-22). Seeking a moment within the halls of sacred silence is the antidote for the restless soul seeking solace and encouragement. Turning aside from the mundane madness of daily life is no less urgent in one’s quest to rediscover one’s purpose and calling in life.

There is a high price to pay for those who reject Wisdom’s call (read Proverbs 1:23-32). Wisdom has to call and make exaggerated gestures to grab our attention from the distractions of the world: entertainment, sports, robo-calls, movies, politics, social upheaval, social-media drama; all add to our own personal troubles of doubt, despair, depression, sickness and loss of relationships (in Proverbs 1:24, note how Wisdom raises her hand in an effort to claim our attention). She claims the strategic gate of entry into the city… and she is seeking to secure your attention at the gateway to your heart before being overshadowed by the lust of the eyes.

Notice that Job was unable to hear God while he bemoaned his circumstances. For a while, Job just couldn’t turn-off the recording-loop within his heart and mind. He was suffering from post-traumatic shock (read Job 1). It was only after he closed his mouth that Job was ready to listen to God. Once God had Job’s undivided attention, The Almighty asked, “Will the one who contends with The Almighty correct Him?” (v.2a) While God had been putting Job in his place with questions far too complex to provide an answer, He was preparing Job’s heart for a teachable moment to confront him with the inappropriateness of his accusations.

Through His reprimand, God was working to restore Job in two ways: for right relationship with Him; and for providing a new beginning for his wife and him. When God redeems, God restores. He has always displayed His loving kindness in ways which restore those who exercise faith in Him.

Have you heard the voice of God lately? How can you tell? Well, for one, God’s voice always challenges your conventional understanding of things… including conventional wisdom – man’s wisdom of political correctness and self-centered thinking. Secondly, God’s voice quite often arises from within you, speaking guidance in ways you would never come up with on your own merit. (I could provide examples, but you’d never believe them. However, if you really would be interested in some examples, email me: steve@5understandablewords.com, and I will be glad to provide some.) Thirdly, God’s voice will never contradict the guidance He has provided in His Word. So, read His word… often… in a quiet place with no distractions. Listen… He will speak.

Have a blessed day…

“His young feast on blood…” Job 39:30a

Job was challenged on his understanding of aerodynamics when God asked him if the hawk took flying lessons from him (v.26). Pressing further, God asked if Job commanded the eagle to soar so high in the sky or build his nest in the high crags of the cliffs (vv. 27 – 28). It is from a rocky crag that the eagle is secure from attack, while also serving as a perfect vantage point to spot his prey from afar (v.29). These smart and powerful birds have incredible distance vision.

Eagles and hawks are essential in controlling the rabbit, mice and rat population in the wilderness of the desert. They also conveniently take advantage of kills by other animals (like the coyote or lion), acting as a scavenger – feasting on the remains of a carcass… the easiest food source for a young eaglet to master. If there’s a dead creature, you can count on scavenger birds to be soon present, including the eagle.

Job records God describing the eagle’s young feasting on the blood of the kill. There is life in the blood (read Leviticus 17:11; John 6:53), and the life of the dying animal is transferred, in a way, to those scavengers who depend on death as their means for survival. In a similar way, we survive spiritually by the death and blood of Jesus Christ.

Jesus called His disciples attention to the sacrifice of His own blood and body as a payment for the sins of man. When He broke the bread and shared the cup at The Last Supper, Jesus instructed the disciples to remember His sacrifice as often as they practiced the ritual. Rituals act as reminders to we humans who are so quick to forget. They bring us to a moment of recalling a sacred moment or action which should never be forgotten, and which should always be preserved as part of one’s understanding about worship – the object and purpose for worship.

For Christians, the young feast on blood in a symbolic way. We are God’s young… His children, who are reminded of God’s great love for us – expressed through the life and death of His Son, Jesus Christ. The next time you approach the Lord’s Table or participate in The Lord’s Supper, remember that in Christ, there’s abundant life. Yes, there IS life in the blood… of The Lamb, slain before the foundation of the world.

Have a blessed day…

“…he does not shy away…” Job 39:22b

The next example God presented to Job was the well-bred warrior horse. Even though there were wild horses available as examples, God pointed Job toward the equine experienced in battle:

• whose flanks bulge with strength and whose mane acts as a banner of courage (v.19);

• able to leap like a locust (v.20a);

• striking terror with his proud snorts (v.20b);

• fiercely pawing the ground, as if rejoicing in his strength (v.21a);

• he eats up the ground as he paws, impatiently awaiting the sound of the trumpet (v.24);

• he fearlessly charges into the fray of warfare; laughing at fear, while not shying away from the sword (vv. 21b – 22);

• he is fully loaded with a complement of defensive weapons which rattle against his side (v.23);

• at the sound of the trumpet, he catches the scent of battle from afar, hearing the shouts of commanders and the battle cry from battalions of soldiers advancing (v.25).

There are skittish horses, lazy horses, smart horses, leader horses, and many more. Like humans, they each have a distinct personality and temperament. War horses were bred and conditioned for battle, thriving on the heat of battle and the fierce contest between armies. God may be revealing to Job the distinct characteristics He gives to each creature… including man.

Job didn’t think he could forge on in life. Yet, God was challenging Job on the origin of the horse’s strength. The same would hold true for Job. Just as God is able to provide strength for battle, His omniscient wisdom appropriates strength to sustain one through grief and hardship. And the same holds true for your life today… no matter what hardship you may be facing.

What ARE you facing today? Where does your strength originate? Today, be as one who does not shy away from adversity when God is our strength and shield.

Have a blessed day…

“She treats her young harshly…” Job 39:16a

God had turned Job’s attention to aspects of creation he may have never considered: wild mountain goats and deer (vv. 1- 4); the wild donkey (vv. 5 – 8); and the wild ox (vv. 9 – 12). The next wild creature God presented to Job was in steep contrast to the wild ox: the flightless ostrich. The bird grows to a considerable size after surviving an open nest in the warm sands (vv. 14 – 15). Indeed, the ostrich is the largest bird on the planet, and is a bird in every way – except one… the ostrich is not designed to fly.

The ostrich’s wings may flap joyfully, though they do not compare with the stork’s pinions and feathers which loft it to the skies (v.13). Wings aren’t the only thing the ostrich is shorted on. God did not endow the female ostrich with wisdom or good sense in caring for her eggs or young (v.17). Her harsh treatment of them would make any casual observer conclude they were not her own (v.16). Yet, once grown, the ostrich lives in a herd of around twelve members, having one dominant male member. With assistance from the watch-care of mankind, the ostrich has been able to continue as a species.

So, what positive qualities does the ostrich possess? For one, the ostrich has the largest eyes of any land animal; and one ostrich egg weighs as much as two dozen medium sized chicken eggs! The crowning success of the big bird though is its ability to run. When you see her stretch her feathers to run, it’s as if she laughs at both horse and rider (v.18). The bird can run like the wind!

This conundrum of creation is a lesson in compensating abilities designed by God for continuance of the species. As a living object lesson for mankind, the bird is an obvious example for those who may appear without sense, only to have other superior qualities enabling him/her to excel in certain pursuits and achieve recognition for his/her excellence or ability. Perhaps, this serves to remind us not to judge others on face value… even if a mother seems to treat her young harshly. Jumping to conclusions can actually be a short hop into trouble.

Lord, teach us the lesson of the ostrich that we may run with abandon into Your waiting arms!

Have a blessed day…

“Will you rely on him…?” Job 39:11a

God’s next example to present Job was the wild ox. Job was asked:

• “Will the wild ox consent to serve you?” (v.9a)

• “Will he stay by your manger at night?” (v.9b)

• “Can you hold him to the furrow with a harness? Will he till the valleys behind you?” (v.10)

• “Will you rely on him for his great strength? Will you leave your heavy work to him?” (v.11)

• “Can you trust him to bring in your grain and gather it to your threshing floor?” (v.12)

Oxen have been domesticated for a few thousand years. In Job’s day, however, they were likely wild and had not gone through generations of training to domesticate the animal. Thus, we have God using the wild ox for another lesson to Job.

When something wild is caged or chained, what is the animal’s usual first response? The animal will struggle for hours – possibly days – to get free. That is the only life the animal has ever known. God specifically used the adjective “wild” when describing the ox. A wild ox will not become subservient in a short time, and the first opportunity to take flight for freedom will be a dangerous moment for anyone seeking to bring the powerful animal into submission.

The wild ox is the king of his herd and is used to calling the shots. He roams freely looking for the best locations for foraging plant-life. He will also come to the defense of his herd with surprising speed and fury. Trying to manage a wild ox with a harness would be impossible for any man. At the first scent of a female, the animal would take-off in the direction of the odor. It would take a village of man-power to control the bull. Domestic chores of tilling and harvesting would be impossible as well.

As impossible as it would be to tame a wild ox, the idea of taming one’s destiny is just as impossible. God was slowly preparing Job’s heart to understand that he was not in control of his life. Life is full of moments one may have some control over, though the tide and direction of one’s life is surely destined for God’s chosen purposes. We can make each day count by living lives of intentionality in our purpose, passion, poise, and practices. Yet, there are those moments which arrive at our doorstep with no announcement or warning, and those days may very well be the making of one’s destiny.

Try as you may, your life is shaped by: the family to which you are born; the times in which you live; injustices you may have experienced; privileges you may have known; natural disasters which you either witnessed or experienced; sickness; inherited physical conditions; people, books, education, multi-media and life experiences which impacted your thinking; and list could go on and on. In all these things, God is still in control… even when life seems out of control.

Will you rely on Him to provide the compass for right living and the wisdom for navigating through the moments determining your destiny. Just as the wild ox’s strength was coveted by man for centuries, God’s strength is all the more desirable for overcoming the perils of life in our day. He is the calm in the midst of the storm… be at peace in The Father’s arms. Let go of the wild tendency to take control of your destiny and trust God to write the story of your life. He always has the best endings.

Have a blessed day…

“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…

“Do you count the months…?” Job 39:2b

Continuing with the theme of origins, God’s arsenal of questions continue – preparing Job’s heart for a teachable moment that was soon coming:

• “Do you know when the mountain goats give birth?” (v.1a)

• “Do you watch when the doe bears her fawn?” (v.1b)

• “Do you count the months till they bear?” (v.2a)

• “Do you know the time they give birth? (v.2b)

Since the dawn of creation, man has always lived as though all creation revolved around humanity. The real truth is all creation exists to glorify and exalt the Lord, God Almighty, known in the holy trinity as God, The Father; Christ, The Son; and The Holy Spirit – Teacher and Guide. Everything that has been created reveals God’s invisible qualities – namely, His eternal power and divine nature. These two main qualities are clearly seen through what God has made so that humanity is without excuse for living unholy lives (read Romans 1:20).

So, God deemed it timely to take Job to the proverbial mountain top and consider when (and likely where) mountain goats give birth. Why did God choose the example of birth? The bearing of young is a part of God’s design for continuance of life. Each species has their own time-line for gestation or incubation, and God is intimately familiar with each one.

It seems God counts more than the hairs on man’s head. He counts the months (days, minutes, or even seconds) for the new arrival of every living thing. Such knowledge was too great for Job to consider, and served as a reminder of how God sustains all creation. Every second of every day is filled with God’s sustaining power, evidenced by the bearing of young in the wild and how they thrive and grow strong, able to set-out on lives of their own (vv. 3 – 4).

There’s another birth God anticipates… and all Heaven celebrates. It is the “re-birth” for the souls of man. He counts the moments when a heart’s door will open to His saving grace and experience the joy of His salvation. He knit His signature into the fabric of creation with the threads of His sustaining power and redemption of man for His eternal purposes.

There is another countdown happening in Heaven, too. Only God, The Father, knows the time (Matthew 24:36) when the angel will sound the trumpet and Christ will return to earth as The Eternal King Who has vanquished death and hell. It will be a terrible day for some and a blessed day for others. Would you be ready if it happened today? Read Matthew, chapters 24 and 25 to find out. Jesus laid it out in very simple terms.

Have a blessed day…

“…tip over the water jars…” Job 38:37b

The next few questions directed to Job revealed the dichotomy within God’s creation and in Job’s current circumstances:

• “Who endowed the heart with wisdom or gave understanding to the mind?” (v.36)

• “Who has the wisdom to count the clouds?” (v.37a)

• “Who can tip over the water jars of the heavens when the dust becomes hard and the clods of earth stick together?” (vv. 37b – 38)

• “Do you hunt the prey for the lioness and satisfy the hunger of the lions when they crouch in their dens or lie in wait in the thicket?” (vv. 39 – 40)

• “Who provides food for the raven when its young cry-out to God and wander about for lack of food?” (v.41)

Understanding and wisdom are both bi-products of walking with God, they do not come naturally. The only natural tendency of man is that of sin… inherited through the lineage of humanity. It must have been painfully obvious to Job’s friends the lack of their own wisdom and understanding by their accusing Job of some hidden sin.

In the desert, clouds are fairly easy to count… until the monsoon storms come. The wise thing to do would be to count the clouds leading up to the storm. Once the seasonal rains arrive, the clouds become one continuous water-laden blanket of grey. Yes, in the desert, when it comes to water, it’s feast or famine.

The desert ground is such a fine powder, and is easily roused from its sleep by animals or the winds driving the clouds. It really is a marvelous thing to watch the awakened dust being lifted up into the sky, and becoming potentially dangerous as a sky-darkening dust storm. The hardened ground beneath the dust easily soaks-in the welcomed rain which flows through the paths of least resistance – forming balls of mud as the water rolls downhill. Those balls become clay clods that stick together and make great shooting targets.

The King of Beasts, with all his power and ferocity, is actually a guarantee for the pride’s protection and continuance of the species. It is the lioness that does the “mother-load” of the work. She literally brings home the bacon… which feeds the lion and cubs. The lioness joins her sisters, lying in wait for the next meal to arrive – that way they have the advantage of a surprise attack. To roam freely gives their prey too much advance notice to seek escape. It seems rather odd that such a fierce creature would sulk in hiding, in wait for the opportune moment to strike.

A mother raven incubates her nestle of eggs for about three weeks. A freshly hatched raven will leave its nest within five to seven weeks. Both parents tend to the young, and as the time nears for the young to leave the nest, the parents leave for increasingly longer periods. Though it may appear the young are left defenseless, those longer periods of separation help prepare the young to venture out of the nest. It was all part of God’s plan.

Ravens are some of the smartest birds in the world and are very adaptable – with insects, vegetation and meat as their diet. They often follow wolves or coyotes to scavenge off of their kills. The younger ravens often arrive to a food source in groups to be less enticing to their own predators. The young raven wandering about introduces the bird to the reality of personal responsibility – kill or be killed. The free ticket is over.

Life in the wild can seem quite harsh and is full of opposing forces. There seems to be sort of ‘see – saw’ to life… easily observable to the watchful eye, providing excellent lessons at a teachable moment. It was the teachable moment to which God was bringing his beloved servant Job. All these questions were but a prelude to God’s ultimate confrontation with Job.

As you experience life, and face desperate times in the desert chapters of your life, call-out to God, Who is able to tip over the water jars of Heaven and meet your need through His abundant supply. Have you ever experienced it? He is faithful. Trust Him.

Have a blessed day…

“Do they report to you…?” Job 38:35b

Returning to the work of weather, God questioned Job further:

• “Can you raise your voice to the clouds and cover yourself with a flood of water?” (v.34)

• “Do you send the lightning bolts on their way?” (v.35a)

• “Do they report to you, ‘Here we are’?” (v.35b)

God’s still small voice can be louder than the loudest clap of thunder coming from the clouds. To God, water flowing out of its banks and seemingly out of control is still under His authority. As random as we may think lightning bolts occur, God has a purpose and time for everything in His creation. In fact, all creation reports to God, knowing the language of The Creator. Even the stars glorify Him together (38:7).

God’s queries may lead one to personally consider them as if they had been directed to him/her, leading to the decisive conclusion that man can never assume God’s role as Creator, Maintainer, Sustainer, Redeemer, Restorer, and Ruler. We do not have the capacity, ability, or wisdom to be God. If you should ever dare to think such, just ask the same question God presented to Job: Do they report to you? Yes, man is given dominion over God’s creation (see Genesis 1:26; 9:2; Psalm 8:6; Hebrews 2:8; and James 3:7), but His creation still does not actually report to man. God’s ways are much higher than our ways. The best we can do is agree with His ways and walk in His paths. Nevertheless, countless souls reject God’s way and Word.

God’s Word is a lamp to our feet (Psalm 119:105) – guiding us in the upward walk of goodness and rightness. When we walk in His way, our lives are made better, qualitatively richer, and wiser. As we learn to trust Him with all our tomorrows, we grow in faith and the resolve to overcome any influence of this world seeking to thwart our faith-walk.

Really, the most dangerous place to be at times may be living in His faith – yet, the most secure place to ever be is in His loving hands. Trust Him today.

Have a blessed day…