God Is Great And Is To Be Feared - Job Chapter Thirty Seven Series

Job 37 could be outlined –

Elihu observes the power of God. (Job 37:1-13)

Can Job explain the works of nature? (Job 37:14-20)

God is great and is to be feared. (Job 37:21-24)

Elihu continues his discourse. It is good for us to remember that in the original writings – there were no chapter divisions or marked verses. The discourse was viewed as a whole. Elihu will continue to look at God through the things He has made.

1 "At this also my heart trembles, And leaps from its place. 2 Hear attentively the thunder of His voice, And the rumbling that comes from His mouth. 3 He sends it forth under the whole heaven, His lightning to the ends of the earth. 4 After it a voice roars; He thunders with His majestic voice, And He does not restrain them when His voice is heard. 5 God thunders marvelously with His voice; He does great things which we cannot comprehend. 6 For He says to the snow, ’Fall on the earth’; Likewise to the gentle rain and the heavy rain of His strength. 7 He seals the hand of every man, That all men may know His work. 8 The beasts go into dens, And remain in their lairs. 9 From the chamber of the south comes the whirlwind, And cold from the scattering winds of the north. 10 By the breath of God ice is given, And the broad waters are frozen. 11 Also with moisture He saturates the thick clouds; He scatters His bright clouds. 12 And they swirl about, being turned by His guidance, That they may do whatever He commands them On the face of the whole earth. 13 He causes it to come, Whether for correction, Or for His land, Or for mercy. Job 37:1-13 (NKJV)

ELIHU OBSERVES THE POWER OF GOD

In chapter thirty six Elihu has just spoken about the thunder and lighting and how they are a work of God’s creation – then he tells us in verse one: “That at these things – my heart trembles and skips a beat.”

In verse two Elihu tells Job to listen attentively to the thunder and feeling the rumbling of the ground when it happens. This is an act of God – and through it – He speaks. All of creation speaks of God’s glory. If we look closely we can see Him in all that He has created:

“By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can’t see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being. So nobody has a good excuse.” Romans 1:20 (MSG)

Here is a list that Elihu tells us to observe:

1. Hear God’s thunder.

2. Feel the rumble of the thunder – how it shakes the earth...

3. Look at the lighting that reaches to the ends of the earth.

4. Look at the snow that God allows to fall on the earth.

5. Look at the rain – both gentle and heavy – God sends them at His own choosing.

6. Look at how God freezes (seals) the water in its place.

7. Look at how God has filled the clouds with water.

8. Look at how the clouds are directed by the hand to God – to go where He chooses.

God sends the clouds both for correction and for mercy. God is able to take that which we consider to be bad and turn it into an act of good. The cross of Christ is the greatest example of this fact. For by His stripes we are healed. By His death – we are given life. It is only by the storms of life – that gardens will grow. There are gentle rains and there are heavy torrents. Both of these have there purpose. Remember that ALL things will work together for our good – to those who love God – to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) God allows both good and bad to come to us to help shape our lives. He is more concerned with our character than He is our comfort. In creation we can see the same principle applied. It is both the (what we would consider) good weather and the bad weather that has caused the earth to be what it is – the heat of summer and cold of winter – all have their purposes.

14 "Listen to this, O Job; Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God. 15 Do you know when God dispatches them, And causes the light of His cloud to shine? 16 Do you know how the clouds are balanced, Those wondrous works of Him who is perfect in knowledge? 17 Why are your garments hot, When He quiets the earth by the south wind? 18 With Him, have you spread out the skies, Strong as a cast metal mirror? 19 "Teach us what we should say to Him, For we can prepare nothing because of the darkness. 20 Should He be told that I wish to speak? If a man were to speak, surely he would be swallowed up. Job 37:14-20 (NKJV)