From the Sunday Readings
Job 38, The LORD Answers Job
1 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? "
The Lord's response to Job is a good reminder that though we might want to know the precise parameters of truth, and insist that we have it at all times, we will not be able to do so. We know that Gods's fullest understanding is the divine Word as He incarnated in Christ. But our ability to grasp the precise scope and shape of His truth completely, is limited.
1 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? "
The Lord's response to Job is a good reminder that though we might want to know the precise parameters of truth, and insist that we have it at all times, we will not be able to do so. We know that Gods's fullest understanding is the divine Word as He incarnated in Christ. But our ability to grasp the precise scope and shape of His truth completely, is limited.
posted by The AoM at 10/22/2006 09:53:00 AM
3 Comments:
Yes, obviously true. But, we must be careful not to use this an excuse, either for not seeking God or in our theological thinking. I hate "it's a mystery" and prefer an honest "I don't know."
Perhaps I should clarify by suggesting that no excuse is intended or encouraged; but as with Job, simply an acceptance of certain human limitations.
Inhering in our natures as they are these limitations (a possible source of humility) do not prevent seeking God but only serve to underscore His majesty and grace all the more.
They also have implications for how we treat our fellow men.
the "you" is plural - not just speaking to Job but all his bozo friends too.
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