I never liked multiple choice questions on an exam. I usually over-thought the answer or assumed there was hidden meaning or a trick word or phrase that needed to be considered for the correct response. Reading some of the final chapters in Job, we are met with approximately 60 questions, which if multiple choice, would direct us to the same answer - God!
The Lord silences Job with His list of rhetorical questions. Questions intended to provoke thought as opposed to being verbally answered. Each inquiry confronts Job with the truth that God is God and he is not. Job is reminded that what he knows is nothing in contrast to what he knows not. Each query highlights that anything Job can do is so small compared to what God can do. Each question is fashioned to emphasize the magnificence of God and the minuteness of man.
God, having not spoken since Job 2, has shown remarkable restraint as He has listened to the responses and rebuttals of Job and his friends. Although they have all made an effort to describe, define and defend Him, to this point God has remained silent.
As God now addresses Job, the Almighty is not seeking to gain more information, but desiring that in His asking, Job will pause and consider the Lord's greatness. Each question is designed to magnify His majesty and man's miniscule understanding.
We are always seeking reasons and purposes. When nothing obvious is revealed as an explanation for the struggles and doubts we experience, I wonder how our conversations with God sound. Do we come to false conclusions? Do we pause long enough to see past the situation and sit with our Saviour? Do we understand His character and authority over every detail of our lives? Elihu was correct when he said, "God is greater than we can understand...God's voice is glorious in the thunder. We can't even imagine the greatness of His power...Stop and consider the wonderful miracles of God!...We cannot imagine the power of the Almighty..." (Job 36:26, 37:5, 14, 23).
The motive in God's questions is to get us to stop and consider His sovereignty over all things. God's guidance to us often comes in the form of an inquiry too. In His asking, He wants us to pause and think of His mighty power. He invites us to trust Him more. Recall some of the questions Christ asked in scripture: "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" (Matthew 6:27) "What do you want Me to do for you?" (Mark 10:51) "Do you want to get well?" (John 5:6) "Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and not do what I say?" (Luke 6:46). Jesus wants to stir our intellect and probe our minds forcing us to examine our condition and His provision. Jesus' questions are never asked out of ignorance, but for revelation that draws us closer to Him, resulting in knowing Him more and strengthening our faith.
Questions are wonderful teachers. Our answers can reveal our trust and belief. When our vision of God increases, it should humble us, as well as thrill our hearts. The Lord is longing for us to see His power and majesty. My heart is singing, "How Great is Our God". Will you lift up your voice and join me in song? That's not a rhetorical question!
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