Job 38:1-15 (ESV)

Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said:

“Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me.

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

“Or who shut in the sea with doors when it burst out from the womb, when I made clouds its garment and thick darkness its swaddling band, and prescribed limits for it and set bars and doors, and said, ‘Thus far shall you come, and no farther, and here shall your proud waves be stayed’?

“Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place, that it might take hold of the skirts of the earth, and the wicked be shaken out of it? It is changed like clay under the seal, and its features stand out like a garment. From the wicked their light is withheld, and their uplifted arm is broken.”

Sounds like Job is really getting hammered, right?

Actually, God displays incredible mercy by not doing something – showing up visibly. Job hears Him, but doesn’t see Him.

God could scare the daylights out of Job by simply showing His face. Even sending an angel would do the trick; just look at the shepherds quaking at the sight of the angels announcing Christ.

But no. God, in his infinite wisdom, elects to teach Job with strong words, but doesn’t use any visual effects.

It’s grace – it’s always about grace – but notice how this is purpose driven. Job is plenty focused already; God can leave the gloves on and His message will still come through loud and clear.

God communicates differently with different people. Job’s a good listener, so God doesn’t need to shout. There’s a lesson in that.

Everyone who confesses Jesus as their Lord, agrees to not be left alone. A coach only yells at his team members. If you’re a Christian, God is going to communicate with you.

But how well you listen determines how that goes. A coach only yells when he needs to. Try to hear what God is saying and He will speak plainly. Try to ignore what He’s saying – as Jonah did – and He’ll crank up the volume big time, just like He did with Jonah.

The weekly study guides, which include discussion questions, are available for download here:

https://www.ailbe.org/resources/itemlist/category/91-deep-studies