10-17-21 Sermon Notes “Answers From A Whirlwind”

With all the problems Job had (and there were many), he really didn’t need long-winded speeches from his friends. But that’s exactly what he got from them. One of his friends, Elihu, was particularly long-winded. Mostly Elihu was not that helpful; however, he actually did use some rhetorical questions in Job 37: 14-18 that might have actually helped prepare Job for the questions that God would ask of Job in chapters 38-41. In addition, Elihu’s speech may have helped Job see that even though Job’s actions might have been right (he was not the sinful person that his friends accused him of being), Job’s attitude was out of whack. Maybe Job was not the “sinner” his friends described…but neither was he the “saint” that he saw himself to be. Job actually sort of had a “know-it-all” attitude. Haven’t we all thought that we knew more than we actually did?

Job wanted answers. Understandable. Job would have preferred that God speak to him in the “sunshine.” Instead, God spoke to Job out of a “storm” (a whirlwind). And God’s answer came in the form of…questions. Here’s the sample of the questions (77 in all) God addressed to Job that we will be looking at this Sunday in Traditions worship service:
Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind:
2 “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?
3 Gird up your loins like a man,
I will question you, and you shall declare to me.
4 “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell me, if you have understanding.
5 Who determined its measurements—surely you know!
Or who stretched the line upon it?
6 On what were its bases sunk,
or who laid its cornerstone
7 when the morning stars sang together
and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy? (Job 38: 1-7 NRSV)

We want answers, too…don’t we? Maybe the answer that God wants to give us will come out like a question. Let’s seek God this Sunday together. If we seek God (and not just answers) then the answers will seek us.

See you Sunday,
Pastor Sam