Seeds For Thinking

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: Job said, “Oh, that I knew where I might find Him, That I might come to His seat! I would present my case before Him ”, Job 23:3-4a NKJV

In the beginning, there were a series of very positive statements, which is not surprising, since they were made by The Lord God. “Let there be light,” He said, and there was light. Likewise, at His Word, the waters and firmament were created, earth and seas, the sun and moon, and all living things. Genesis 1:27 states that God created man and woman, male and female, again by His Word.
A blessing is a very special statement, which God gave to the man and woman; He further blessed them by placing them in a Garden of Delight, a possible meaning of the Hebrew word for ‘Eden.’ He also blessed the seventh day, making it holy.
I’ve checked several versions of the Bible, including the KJV, NKJV, NIV and NRS, and I find nothing but positive statements until Genesis the 3rd chapter. Enter the Fallen One in the form of a serpent. There is recorded the first question, “Hath God said?” or “Did God really say. . . ?” (Genesis 3:1)
The next thing we read from God is the question of the ages: “Where are you?” The questions flow freely from that point, as if the first one had broken a leak in a vast reservoir.
“Oh, what a tangled web we weave,
When first we practice to deceive.”
Enter jealousy and anger. God questions Cain concerning that anger, and suggests that Cain will gain the acceptance he seeks, if he does what is right. Instead, Cain grows that anger into murder.
God is again forced to ask that probing question concerning a fall into sin, in this case, “Where is your brother, Abel?” (Genesis 4:9) Cain answers with a question, of course, “How should I know?” “Am I my brother’s keeper?”
Questions. Questioning God. The book of Job is structured around questions, including the probing questions of Job’s friends, and Job’s stated desire to question God. (Job Chapter 23:3-5) This question is rebutted later by God, but not in the form that Job expects. It is often formed from our own lips; “Why, God, Why?”
Turn with me to Job Chapter 38: God answers us with both a question and a statement, thus: ”Who is this who darkens counsel without knowledge? . . . I will question you, and you shall answer me.”
Job’s questions are at an end. He responds with a statement of humility and confession; “I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. (vss. 42:3-4) Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. (vs. 6)
We can not presume to come to God contentiously, in anger and defiance, for He is the Great Judge, who will ask the final questions.
August 21, 2005