When God Speaks

By Jeff Arnette
    In these chapters, we see a profound shift in the narrative of Job. After the long discourse between Job and his friends, where they accuse him of hidden sin and suggest that his suffering is due to God’s judgment, God Himself finally speaks. The Lord’s response is both humbling and enlightening, not just for Job but for all readers of this ancient text.    The silence of Job’s friends highlights an important truth: human wisdom has its limits. For thirty-seven chapters, they argued from their limited perspective, convinced that they knew the mind of God. But when God begins to speak, their words and accusations fall silent. It reminds us that in times of suffering, even the well-intentioned words of friends can be misguided. There is a deeper wisdom and plan at work, one that only God understands.    When God speaks, He doesn’t give Job a direct answer to his suffering. Instead, He asks questions that point to the vastness of His creation and power. These questions reveal Job’s limitations as a man and the supreme authority and knowledge of God. God is not being harsh; rather, He is gently reminding Job that there are things beyond human understanding. Like a loving father teaching a child, God shows Job—and us—that His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).    In our own lives, we often seek answers, especially in times of hardship. We demand explanations from God, just as Job did. But sometimes, instead of answers, we are reminded of God’s sovereignty (Haggai 2:20). It’s not that He is indifferent to our pain—on the contrary, He reveals Himself to us because He cares deeply for us. Yet, His wisdom far surpasses ours. We can trust that He knows all things and works them for good (Romans 8:28).    The final reminder of God’s love for us in 1 John 3:1 shows the heart of the matter. God, in His infinite wisdom and power, still chooses to call us His children. This relationship changes how we view His corrections and teachings. Even when life seems overwhelming, we can rest in the knowledge that our Father is guiding us, sometimes through questions, but always with love.

- Jeff Arnette preaches for the Central Haywood church of Christ, Clyde, NC.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: https://centralhaywoodcoc.com/