Justice I Am

April 16, 2013

Justice I Am

Job 39:1–40:2

Read "Is it your wisdom that makes the hawk soar and spread its wings toward the south? Is it at your command that the eagle rises to the heights to make its nest? It lives on the cliffs, making its home on a distant, rocky crag. From there it hunts its prey, keeping watch with piercing eyes. Its young gulp down blood. Where there's a carcass, there you'll find it." Then the LORD said to Job, "Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God's critic, but do you have the answers?" (Job 39:26–40:2)

Reflect God asked Job questions to demonstrate the limits of Job's knowledge. God was helping Job to recognize and submit to his power and sovereignty. Only then could Job really begin to know God and understand his justice. The wrong view of justice says that God must abide by a law of fairness that is higher and more absolute than he is. That view comes out when we question whether God is being unfair. The correct view, however, is that God himself is the standard of justice. He uses his power according to his own moral perfection. Thus, whatever he does is fair, even when we don't understand it. Our response should be to appeal directly to him. How do you contend with or accuse Almighty God? Do you demand answers when you lose a job, someone close to you is ill or dies, finances are tight, you fail, or things don't go your way? The next time you complain to God, don't lose sight of how much he loves you. And remember Job's reaction when he had his chance to speak. Are you worse off than Job or more righteous than he was? Give God a chance to reveal his greater purposes for you, but remember that they may unfold over the course of your life and not at the moment you desire.

Respond Are you expecting God to work on your terms? If so, confess it to him and submit to his sovereign and perfect will.