God’s Power in Nature: Learning Humility from Job 37:5-6

Job 37:5-6 (NIV)

5 God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding.6 He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’

The story of Job begins with God referring to Job as a perfect man. God says there is no one like him. Yet, the entire story of Job is about the Lord allowing tragedy into his life because Job is trusting in his religious activity more than he trusts God. Though he is like no other man, there is still pride in him, and God works it out.

In the story, Job has three friends who are convinced that all of the tragedy has befallen Job because he has committed a sinful act. Job holds his ground, saying he has not—and he had not. His sin was internal pride, not purposeful rebellious behavior. Yet, because Job’s actions were outwardly blameless, his pride grows, leading him to boast of his own integrity and claim to be completely without sin. Elihu, his fourth friend, uses nature to remind him that he is not God and, as a man, he is not sinless.

In our passage today, Elihu speaks to Job, reminding him that God is greater than man in all ways. In the end, Job repents of his arrogance.

The glory of creation should always remind us that God is greater. His wisdom is higher. His Word is true. Disobeying God’s Word is as senseless as hoarding candles, batteries, and flashlights out of fear that the sun might not rise tomorrow.

Prayer:

Lord, let my eyes see Your glory and wisdom so that I might never doubt Your Word or Your way. Amen.