From very early in life we are seekers for meaning and understanding. The question “Why?” becomes more refined as we get older, but intense circumstances often bring it back to its core. It is part of our humanity to seek knowledge, particularly in response to our personal circumstances.
After losing all that he cherished, Job was left to lament and ponder, seeking understanding in the midst of his devastation. Question after question pours from Job’s lips in an effort to find some meaning to his situation. Eleven of Job’s speeches are recorded in the book of Job, each of them a variation on the same theme: “I cannot understand why this has happened, I wish God would come and give me some insight into His purposes.”
When God finally confronts Job (ch 38) there are no answers. Only more questions. Interrogation concerning many of the mysteries of creation, for which Job has no answers. In effect, God reminds Job that “your ways are not my ways, nor your thoughts my thoughts”. And Job recognises the sovereignty of God in his response, “I know that You can do all things and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted” (42:5) Job realises that it is not his position to understand, but to trust; not to know, but to obey.
Jesus
often confronted people with questions rather than answers: “Who do you
say that I am?” “The baptism of John, was it from God or men?” Jesus, invitation
was first to trust him, to follow him. Understanding and knowledge would
come after, if at all.
Jesus’
question was essentially this:
What answer do you give?
Gary
October 26, 1997
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