Welcome and thank you for sticking with us. We have now completed five months together. I hope you are gaining as much from reading these devotionals as I am writing them.
You may get additional insights. This may keep you engaged and reading along with us.

When I write, I feel God’s power giving me a profound message which I had not planned on seeing.

I was not sure why a certain verse stood out to me, but I know God has a reason, so I highlight it and figure out how it applies.

This is not my wisdom, but the power of the Holy Spirit.

Today, we read Job 37-39.
God’s Power and Majesty
Elihu continues to speak, overwhelmed by God’s power. His heart pounds just to think about it. (v37:1).

I have listened to some preachers who are explaining the knowledge they have. They are outstanding teachers, and I have learned much from them.

John MacArthur is such a man. I would not try to match anyone against his knowledge of God. His father was a minister, and he knew from early life what his path would be.

Others have that knowledge, but when you hear them preach, you feel it is coming from deep within them. Not to the point of being charismatic and putting on a show. But, in their passion for God, you feel His presence.

Paul Washer is an example of this. Unlike John MacArthur, Paul Washer was on a path to be a lawyer when God grabbed his life and diverted him into the ministry.

Honestly, I have read more MacArthur books than I have Washer. I respect both men, but my point here is about style.

Elihu, has been ranting about what he had heard these men saying. He held it in as long as he could and now the words have been bursting out.

I wish I showed this passion when I preach. It is not my nature to be so animated.

While Elihu was excited about the thunderstorm, which I sense is forming around them,

However, I believe it is the fear of God which he is exhibiting in his discourse.

In verse 5, he shifts away from the storm and comes back to attributing the power to God.

All the while maintaining the comparison.

When a storm flashes lightning, thunder follows. There is nothing anyone can do to stop that sequence.

Likewise, when God determines a course of action, it will follow. Men have no power over this (v37:7)

Complaining about whether it is fair or claiming they deserve a different treatment will not change God’s justice. He is holy and His will shall be done.

Keeping with the storm motif, Elihu explains we can’t explain how a cloud can stay aloft. Waiting to drop its contents on the earth below.

While modern science can explain these phenomena, they make a good example of how little we know about how and when God will bless people. (v37:16)

Elihu is not saying this opposing a God’s justification to do as He wills. He recognizes God’s majesty and is praising Him for all the good He does for us. (v37:16).
Human Ignorance
This brings about the greatest response ever recorded: God speaks! (v38:1)

I can imagine God had been listening to the three rounds of discussion between Job and his friends. He may have been nodding along at points, while shaking His head at others.

There were times, He may have been ready to speak, but He knew what was coming.

Now that Elihu has been bellowing at them, God brings together this storm and forms a whirlwind. Amidst the tempest, the men heard the voice of the Almighty.

I have felt His presences. There are times I have sensed His voice in my heart. His words have flowed from my lips and my keyboard, without me having prior knowledge they were coming.

But, I have never heard His voice. If I ever do, in this life, or when I get to heaven, I am sure my response will be to fall down and worship.

These men discussed Job’s sins, interpreting his suffering as divine punishment. Storm clouds gathered. Fear prevailed.
God’s Divine Plan
Then God shines HIs glory upon them.

Through questions he asks them who is obscuring His plans. (v38:2)

We can’t control a rain cloud, yet these men were talking as if they could control God.

He asks them where they were when the angels sang together as He laid the cornerstone. (v38:7)

I have always held the image of God being alone in a sterile darkness. Then speaking the universe into existence, as described in Genesis chapter 1.

This verse says the angels were their singing praises while He did these things.

They sang praises, because Jesus is our cornerstone. (Eph 2:20).

It is clear in Job 38:13 that wickedness is still present. But, the angels could have foreseen how He would shake the earth to remove the sin. (v38:13).

Therefore, they would rejoice knowing the God is the one who always provides (v38:41).

How would you respond if you heard the voice of God speaking from a tempest?

Would you rejoice with the angels, knowing His grace saved you? (Eph 2:8-9).

Or would you tremble in fear, knowing that sin was still your master?
Tomorrow, we will finish Job 40-42