Foundations Week 2, Day 1

Scripture Read:  Job 38-39
Title: The Lord Speaks to Job
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H.E.A.R. Entry
(H) Highlight verse::  "Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind..."  Job 38:1

(E) Explain:  During Job's time of suffering and trials, he has the company of his "friends" to come and spend time with him and offer their unsolicited advice.  These men came to comfort Job, but ultimately they did what people (still) do best... Point fingers, condemn and give advice, no matter how "painfully honest" they feel they need to be.  However, it wasn't only his friends who complained and questioned God, Job did as well.  At the beginning God is silent, but in chapter 38 God finally speaks up and He speaks in a whirlwind.  This rant from God goes on for a few chapters and I often envision God giving some loving perspective about himself.  God tells him that he is far more wiser and powerful, so who is Job to complain against God or accuse him of being unfair?  We do need to note that God is not mad at Job in this disciplinary scolding.  He is just merely giving Job some perspective.  God knows what He is doing.  He is sovereign and He loves Job, so ultimately God informs him that since He is all powerful, he needs to trust what is going on and understand that God does have a plan.
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(A) Application: I thought of titling these final chapters of Job "When God Drops the Mic."  The pictures that stands out most in my mind is when former President Obama finished his speech at the  "White House Correspondence Dinner" and the conclusion of his final State of the Union Speech where he pics up his mic and drops it to the floor.  These mic drops essentially say, "I have declared all I have declared and I am finished... there is no more discussion... I am out... done... finished... etc."  
I can't count on two hands the many times I have experienced God's mic drop in my life.  I complain, I whine, I get bitter, and I question God's kindness or justice because of the trials before me.  He often puts me in my place, or to say it nicely, He gives me perspective.  He reminds me that I am not in charge.  I am not all powerful.  I actually have very little to no power over my life.  Ultimately, He humbles me and He does it ever so lovingly and I thank Him for doing this.  Sometimes I imagine God saying, "Jeff, just shut up and listen because I have some great things in store for you in the future."  I can't say I am always thankful for God's mic drops in my life, but I am glad that when I finally take the focus off of me that I can be reassured that God has got my back, no matter the circumstances.

(R) Respond:  Lord, I know I moan and groan, complain and whine, blame and accuse you so often that I need to be reminded that I am not in charge.  I know know it all.  In fact I know very little when it comes to your plans and purposes for my life and future.  May I be humbled and encouraged as you lovingly remind me that You got this... there is no need to worry.