Job 37:13
'He causeth it to come, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy'.
In this last chapter of Elihu's opinion on Job's circumstances and character he describes the wonder of God's power as seen in the different types of weather.
Before challenging Job to explain how God performs his wonders, he asserts that God causes these different weather patterns - either for our correction, for the benefit of the land itself, or for mercy.
I thought how in the UK we so often talk about our changeable weather. I once or twice a day look at the weather forecasts if I am hanging washing out or going for a walk.
I often forget that it is God ordering the weather and it just becomes something that has been predicted - it is as if reading the forecasts brings a disconnect with our great Creator who 'causeth it to come'. Do you have to confess the same?
As I sat outside on Saturday thinking over this verse I was tempted to think that surely God doesn't 'bother' himself over every single cloud, raindrop, snowflake and so forth. Might it not be that he set these things in motion and some of it occurs 'naturally' as a result of some cause and effect physical law of his creation?
My mind wandered to think of the intricate working of our bodies - does God concern himself with every little molecule in our body in their microscopic detail?
It was peaceful as I sat reflecting. All was quiet from the neighbours. Bumblebees were gently humming as they visited our bedraggled petunias, torn from the recent heavy rain. I was glad of the warm sunshine, conscious of the cool, early Autumn air. Bluetits were chirping in the nearby trees and I was reminded of our visit to the little ruined church at Anwoth, Scotland.
Does God really concern himself over every second of the weather?
Just then a cloud came over the sun. It immediately felt cold, and the previously bright garden seemed dull. I became aware of the sounds of distant traffic and sirens. I felt restless and cold and wondered about going back inside. And then the cloud moved passed the sun and all was warm, bright and peaceful again...did God know about THAT cloud?
How unbelieving we become!
Does not the Lord tell us that every hair of our head is numbered? That he knows when even the almost valueless sparrow dies?
Just because it is too great for me to understand the mystery of how God can know all these details about every aspect of the world and our individual lives all at once, does it mean that HE doesn't understand?!
As Elihu concludes in verse 23, 'Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgement, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict' (oppress).
Dear reader, has a cloud come over your sunshine today? Perhaps something unexpected, a sudden comment, the development of an illness, a change in circumstances, some unwelcome news? Has it upset your happy mood or your plans for the day, perhaps leaving you sad, frustrated or disappointed? Has it stolen your joy? Do you feel or think that God doesn't know?
Well, let us look more closely at these words here and hear the Lord's voice in them: 'he causeth it to come whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy'.
To be continued in part 2.
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