Unanswered Questions

O. T. #1160  "Unanswered Questions"
March 1, 2018
Job 42

LET IT GLOW

Job had unanswered questions that he wanted answered, and answered by God only. Why did He allow his 10 children to die? Why did enemies kill Job's servants and destroy his livestock and crops? Why was his body covered with boils? How could his 4 friends come and accuse Job of secret sins, discouraging him? Why was he allowed to suffer in such ways? God did not give Job his  directly, but taught him Who was in charge, and to not question His flawless wisdom. It was achieved by God asking about 75 questions of Job, to which he had no answer.

Now, the first time Job answered God's questions, admitting that he did not know the answers. (chapter 40) This wise man realized he didn't know how God created everything and kept it all functioning. Smart man. He kept his mouth shut while God spoke, just listening. Job is a good example for us to follow.

Job answers God in six verses. He says:

• I know that You can do anything. (verse 2)
• No one can stop You.
• I questioned your wisdom with ignorance. (verse 3)
• I talked about things which I knew nothing about.
• I talked about things far too wonderful for me.
• I heard about You before, but now I have seen You with my own eyes. (verse 5)
• I take back everything I said. (verse 6)
• I sit in ashes and dust to show my repentance.

A couple of other places in Scripture we read of tow people discovering the same thing as Job did. In Genesis 18:14, we read of the Lord asking Abraham, before Sarah had Isaac at age 90, "Is anything impossible for the LORD?" When Mary was told God's plan for her to be the Savior's mother, by the Holy Spirit, He said, "For with God, nothing shall be impossible." (Luke 1:37)

Job made judgments about things he did not understand, disputing with God over His perfect justice. Job did not ask forgiveness for committing secret sins, but for questioning God's sovereignty and justice. Job repented of his attitude and acknowledged God's great power, perfect justice, and wisdom.

LET IT GROW

I'm not saying it is wrong to ask God why He allows this and that to happen. I think it is permissible in our deep hurts. However, there comes a point when we must trust God's wisdom and reasons for His allowance. We believe He is in charge and has a plan that is higher than we can understand. We believe good can come out of evil acts. Joseph declared it to his brothers who sold him into slavery.

Job understand God's divine rebuke. Finally, he understood the God of majesty, sovereignty, and greatness through eyes of faith. This broken man sat in ashes, admitting his sin of declaring God was unfair. Job left the mysteries of whys to his Lord. Job had a broken and contrite heart.

David's words provide us with an insight about true repentance, found in Psalm 51:17-
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
A broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.

In Strong's Concordance, broken can mean broken down, broken up, broken into pieces. Contrite refers to collapse.
Webster's Dictionary define both words as meaning crushed.

Swindoll gives us 5 characteristics of a broken spirit and a contrite heart:

1. nurses no grudges,
2. makes no demands,
3. has no expectations,
4. offers no conditions,
5. anticipate no favors.

Will we acknowledge the wrongness of our actions, our attitudes, our words with no anticipation of applause or a nod of understanding from others. When these things transpire in full repentance, there is no room left for bitterness.

We don't know if Job ever knew the reasons for his circumstances before he reached heaven. He did find that God's grace was sufficient in all things.

Will we offer to God a heart that is broken and crushed for His glory? He can use it when we do, doing things His way.

LET IT GO

Learn from Job's experiences.
Trust God with the answers I have.
Repent of my sins with a broken spirit and a contrite heart.
Look for the good that will come from the bad.
Depend on God to direct my path of faith.
He is absolutely trustworthy.