Job 12:1-25
Saturday, 1 October 2022
“Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this?”- Job 12:9
The Book of Job demonstrates God’s sovereignty and the meaning of true faith. It addresses the question “Why do the righteous suffer?” We hear of several recent hurricanes and storms—when a hurricane hits a place, only those buildings with solid foundation will survive the fury of the wind otherwise they are carried off or left broken. Foundation counts a lot in withstanding a storm. This book reveals the testing of Job. With a life filled with prestige, possession and people, he was suddenly assaulted on every side, devastated until he was brought down to the very core of the foundation of his life. But he endured as it was built on God!
Job’s life gives a message of faith that endures through trials. When we read this, we should be able to analyze our lives and check the foundation on which we stand. Eph. 2:20 tells us we believers are “…built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.” Job’s faith was solid in God. When all was gone Job was able to proclaim that – GOD, He is enough for me (Job 1: 20- 22). Causes of sufferings can vary, but how believers respond matters. Only God knows exactly why things happen and we must submit to HIM as our sovereign Lord. For as Job says, “In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” (Job 12:10)
Though no fault of his own, Job lost everything. Suffering cannot always be a penalty of sin. Likewise, prosperity also is not always a reward of being good. Those who love God can expect both situations in their life- times of adversity and times of joy. Never allow Satan to place a wedge between us and God. One should understand that in a believer’s life, the evil one cannot exceed the limits set by God.
Three of Job’s friends began to connect his tragedies with sin. But Job maintained his innocence. In chapter 12 he was answering Zophar’s argument with great sarcasm— “wisdom will die with you.” But he appealed to God to give him an answer (Job 13:3). Towards the end of the chapter (Vs.24 & 25) we see the affirmation of Job, that no leader has any real wisdom apart from God. No research or report can over rule God’s opinion. No scientific discovery can take Him by surprise. Admit the superiority of God’s wisdom when we seek guidance and never allow earthly advisors to dampen our desire to know God better.
Through out this poetical part in Vs.9 we see the name “LORD (YAHWEH).” Jesus Christ is “…the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person…” (Hebrews 1:3) The hand of the Almighty governs and guides all things. He controls the millions of stars and galaxies by the power of His Word. He is eternal and in control of the universe. He knew you much before you were born in your mother’s womb (Jeremiah 1:5). Be assured that your life is safe in the hands of this mighty God.
Will you willfully throw yourself into His outstretched arm? For God’s arms of care are stretched out towards you!
Meditate on: Can a mother forget the baby at her breast, and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you. (Isaiah 49:15)