Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
WE BELIEVE IN THE TRIUNE GOD
“Who is this
that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge?” (V.2)
Faith in the
Triune God is one of the basic Christian beliefs. We believe that God is one
but manifested in three persons. Various functions are associated with these
three persons. In this passage manifestation of God in three persons is not
mentioned. But different functions of Triune God are visible - God as the
creator, the divine wisdom and the comforter.
Creator God
encounters with his afflicted creation
Job never denies
the existence of God. But he has many questions to the creator. Here God
appears to Job to answer his questions. Job.38-41 is a portrayal of God's
creation. A storm often accompanies a divine appearance in biblical tradition.
The same term 'whirlwind' is used to describe the theophany to Ezekiel.
(Ezekiel 1:4). Elijah went up into heaven by a whirlwind (2Kings 2:11). God
encounters Job with three sorts of questions: Who are you? Where were you? Are
you able? The proper answers are, I am nothing, I was not there and I am not
able. In Job 38:4-7, the earth is imaged as a great building that God, as
architect and builder, constructs. The image of morning stars and heavenly
beings singing and shouting serves to interpret the creation of the earth as
the building of God's temple. The sea is the traditional symbol of primordial
chaos. But it was controlled and used for the purpose of creation. God affirms
Job that He is the creator and controls all chaotic forces.
Divine Wisdom
surpasses all human understanding
Bible describes
the Second Person in Trinity as Logos- the Word and the Divine Wisdom. As John
says, "all things were made through Him and without Him was not anything
made that was made." (John1:3). Here God asks: "Who determined its
measurements - surely you know or who stretched the line upon it?" (v.5).
There is indeed a great wisdom and architecture behind the creation. What/who
is that mastermind? The Hebrew words for "to know" or
"knowledge" and "to understand or discern" and
"understanding" occur many times in this passage. There are
limitations for the understanding of Job as well as his friends. But the divine
wisdom has no limit. "The probes God makes of Job have a creative
purpose." The aim is not destruction but Job's transformation.
Presence of
Divine Comforter
The content of God's answer concerns neither Job's innocence nor his
suffering. But the purpose of divine revelation and words were to console Job.
The traditional "consolations of religion" as uttered by Job's
friends are insufficient. Job's own understandings about sufferings are also
not sufficient. But the divine comforting presence consoles him. We understand
the Third Person in Trinity as the Comforter."But the Comforter, which
is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you
all things."(John 14:26 KJV). He fulfils our life and perfects our
imperfections.
Prayer: O God, You are the creator
and controller of everything. In Your mastermind You have a purpose for
everything including our lives. Help us to understand that purpose especially
when we are going through trials and tribulations. Comfort us and lead us to
the fulfillment of Your purpose….. Amen
Thought for the day: “The Trinity:
One in Three, Three in One". (R. Alan Woods)
Rev.Joe John , St.James MTC, New York