Day 014 (Job 38-39) - Year 7

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Bible Recap – Day 014 (Job 38-39) - Year 7

Introduction to God's Response in Job 38-39

In the fourteenth installment of "The Bible Recap," host Tara-Leigh Cobble delves into Job chapters 38 and 39, marking the seventh year of her series. This episode centers on the pivotal moment when God finally responds to Job amidst his profound suffering and relentless questioning. Tara expresses relief and excitement about God’s direct communication, contrasting it sharply with the earlier, less comforting dialogues Job had with his friends.

“Finally, God speaks. I don't know if you read the headings in your Bible or not, but when I saw the heading of chapter 38 that said the Lord answers Job, I was so relieved.” (00:02)

God’s Personal Address to Job

Tara highlights the significance of the term "LORD" being in all caps in the scriptures, signifying God's personal name, Yahweh or Jehovah. This usage underscores the intimate and direct nature of God's communication with Job, defying the predictions made by Job’s friends that he would face further silence or harsher consequences if he did not repent.

“This is God's personal name. Yahweh, Jehovah. So right out of the gate here, we see that God is being very personal with Job.” (00:30)

Establishing Divine Authority and Creation

God's initial response does not address Job’s immediate suffering or questions. Instead, He embarks on a grand exposition of His own sovereignty and creative power. Tara explains that God emphasizes His role as the Creator and sustainer of the universe, illustrating His control over even the minutest aspects of creation, such as the predator-prey relationships and the habits of various animals.

“He establishes himself as the Creator and commander of everything. He initiates, sustains, and fulfills everything in accordance with his plan.” (01:00)

Several examples are cited, including God's command over lions, ravens, and eagles, showcasing His meticulous design and authority over nature.

Prophetic Insights and Foreshadowing

A fascinating element discussed is the prophetic insight found in Job 39:9, which Tara connects to the birth of Jesus Christ. The verse mentions an ox spending the night at the manger, drawing a parallel to the nativity story where Mary laid Jesus in a manger accompanied by animals. This connection highlights the depth and foresight embedded within the Book of Job.

“Is the wild ox willing to serve you? Will he spend the night at your manger? Because a few thousand years later, Jesus would be born in a cave where the animals were kept at night.” (02:15)

God’s Use of Sarcasm and Challenge to Job

Tara observes that just as Job earlier employed sarcasm in his dialogues, God mirrors this tone in His response. Through a series of rhetorical questions, God challenges Job’s understanding and perspective, emphasizing the vast gap between divine omniscience and human limitation.

“He's been asking Job all kinds of questions about the creation of the universe. And he says to Job, you know, for you were born then, and the number of your days is great.” (03:00)

God’s questions serve to humble Job, reminding him of his finite existence and lack of eternal perspective. This subtle yet firm rebuke places Job in his proper position relative to the Creator.

God’s Patience and Sustained Relationship with Job

Despite the challenging nature of His questions, God does not display anger or condemnation towards Job. Instead, He patiently reaffirms the truths of creation and existence, reinforcing His role as both Creator and Sustainer. Tara appreciates this demonstration of God’s enduring presence and willingness to engage with Job, even amid doubt and suffering.

“God doesn't strike him dead. Instead, he patiently reminds Job of the truth.” (04:00)

This approach underscores the relational aspect between God and Job, highlighting that questioning God is permissible within the bounds of a faithful relationship.

Application for Believers: Questioning with Reverence

Tara-Leigh encourages listeners to emulate Job’s honest questioning but to do so with humility and reverence. She emphasizes the importance of remembering God’s ultimate authority and benevolence, even when His plans and reasons remain inscrutable.

“Ask them with reverence. Remember who made you. Remember who loves you.” (05:00)

The key takeaway is that believers can engage in dialogue with God, presenting their doubts and questions while maintaining trust in His divine wisdom and love.

Encouragement and Future Insights

Concluding the episode, Tara offers words of encouragement for those finding the Book of Job challenging, assuring them that they are progressing appropriately in their study. She hints at the upcoming transition back to Genesis to explore the life of Abraham, fostering a sense of continuity and anticipation for future lessons.

“No matter when you're listening to this, even if you're quote unquote behind in the plan, I want to remind you you're right on time.” (06:30)

Tara reinforces the overarching theme of seeking to understand God's character through His interactions and revelations, urging listeners to continue their journey of discovery and faith.

Conclusion

Day 014 of "The Bible Recap" offers a profound exploration of God's response to Job, emphasizing divine sovereignty, the permissibility of questioning, and the maintenance of a trusting relationship with the Creator. Tara-Leigh Cobble expertly navigates the theological and emotional depths of Job's narrative, providing listeners with insightful reflections and practical applications for their own faith journeys.

Transcript

[A]

Hey, Bible readers, I'm Tara Leigh Cobble, and I'm your host for the Bible Recap. Finally, God speaks. I don't know if you read the headings in your Bible or not, but when I saw the heading of chapter 38 that said the Lord answers Job, I was so relieved. This is who I wanted to hear speak, not Job's friends. You probably felt the same way. And if so, we can rest assured that Job definitely wants to hear God speak even more than we do. Honestly, I hardly want to touch a recap on these chapters. I kind of just want to enjoy them. But I will point out a few things in God's reply to Job. First of all, you may have noticed that when God responds to Job, the word Lord is in all caps. And you may remember what we learned about the word Lord in all caps on day one when we read Genesis 1:3. This is God's personal name. Yahweh, Jehovah. So right out of the gate here, we see that God is being very personal with Job. This flies in the face of what Job's friends said would happen next. They said Job would continue to get God's silence and even more harsh consequences if he didn't repent. Well, Job didn't repent. But here, God is speaking to Job directly and intimately. When God first starts speaking to Job, you might have noticed it has nothing to do with Job's problems. God doesn't answer any of Job's questions. He actually starts out by establishing who he is. That's because everything else is secondary to who God is. He establishes himself as the Creator and commander of everything. He initiates, sustains, and fulfills everything in accordance with his plan. And he makes it clear that his attention isn't just to the things we consider to be of utmost importance. He even ordains and orders the predator, prey, food chain in the animal kingdom. The lion hunts at his command. He is the one who feeds the raven. He tells the eagles where to build their nests. Speaking of straw, I think we encounter a prophecy of Jesus in Job 39. 9. It says, is the wild ox willing to serve you? Will he spend the night at your manger? Because a few thousand years later, Jesus would be born in a cave where the animals were kept at night. And Mary laid him in a manger, which was the feeding trough for animals. So there's a decent chance that an ox kept him company on that night. Another thing you may remember is that earlier in this book, Job got sarcastic with his friends. And in 3821. God speaks to Job in his own language by using a little sarcasm as well. He's been asking Job all kinds of questions about the creation of the universe. And he says to Job, you know, for you were born then, and the number of your days is great. God isn't calling Job old. He's calling Job out for not being eternal. Almost like, listen, were you there? I don't remember seeing you there. Oh, right. I hadn't made you yet. So he puts Job in his place, and rightfully so. He's God. He invented Job, the one who is now questioning him. So Job gets a little bit of a subtle, firm rebuke here. But you know what he doesn't get? He doesn't get God's anger. God doesn't strike him dead. Instead, he patiently reminds Job of the truth. That's where my God shot was for the day. I loved seeing God draw near to Job, despite what everyone said. And I loved seeing God respond to Job's questions, even if he didn't answer them. We can question God. That's part of what happens in a relationship. He's not threatened by your questions, but he's also not required to give you the answers you're seeking. So hold your questions with humility. Ask them with reverence. Remember who made you. Remember who loves you. Remember who feeds the ravens. And remember the God who drew near to Job even after Job questioned him. He's your creator. He's your father, and he's where the joy is. Okay, Bible readers, it's time for our weekly check in. How's it going? If Job has been hard for you, hang in there. We've only got one day left before we finish this book. Then we're back to Genesis again to meet a man named Abraham. And by the way, no matter when you're listening to this, even if you're quote unquote behind in the plan, I want to remind you you're right on time. Keep looking for God as we read what he loves, what he hates, what motivates him to do what he does. He's revealing a lot about himself in this conversation about Job. We'll continue that tomorrow. So keep looking for your own God shot each day, digging in to see his character in the midst of these stories. He's where the joy is. The Bible Recap also has a study series on individual books of the Bible. And today we're celebrating the release of our newest book. Please welcome the Spirit and the Bride, a ten session study on God and his church. Have you ever wondered how the church started or why followers of Jesus are called Christians or what is an apostle anyway? Pick up your copy of the Spirit and the Bride today at Amazon Baker Bookhouse or wherever you buy books. Or click the link in the show notes.