Reflections
Perplexity Before God
Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat! I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with questions. I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me. (Job 23:3-5)
This is Job in the midst of his great trial. He is seeking God for answers. He desires to know the reason for his suffering. But God is silent.
In a trial, we think that if God simply explained Himself to us that we could believe. Or if God would just tell us what He wants us to do. Indeed, even if God would show us our sin that would be acceptable. But as was the case with Job, there is usually no explanation, nothing God tells us to do, and not even conviction of sin. Just silence.
If we read the conclusion of Job’s trial we find out the reason for God’s silence: Job did not need information or answers. He needed a revelation of God Himself. Such is the case with us: God wants to reveal Christ in us. Information will never accomplish that.
Job 42:2-6
2 “I know that You can do all things,
And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.
3 ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’
Therefore I have declared that which I did not understand,
Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.”
4 ‘Hear, now, and I will speak;
I will ask You, and You instruct me.’
5 “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear;
But now my eye sees You;
6 Therefore I retract,
And I repent in dust and ashes.”