As Job and his friends discuss and debate matters beyond their comprehension, the heavenly voice surprises them and reminds them of their “finitude and ignorance” (JMH) with these words addressed to Job: “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?” God challenges Job’s assumed understanding of the world (38:18).
God shows up not just to exercise wrath but to demonstrate concern. God is the Creator who cares for the world and maintains its order in the threat of chaos in nature (chapter 38) and the animal kingdom (chapter 39).
Professor Hicks reflects, “Through his power God manages his creation with wisdom and care. Chaos is no threat to God and God is sovereign over the whole. The creation is good; it operates well. It is ordered. But God’s creation is not the playground of his power but the nursery of his care. The creation is God’s biosphere in which he delights. The world is not out of control, God is managing it quite nicely.”
We are part of something bigger than ourselves. God is performing a saving work in the world. We get to be part of that mission, but it’s not about just us.
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