God's Critic (Job 40)

Have we learned to trust God’s decisions throughout history, or are we critics, evaluating God by worldly standards? Let’s look at Job 40.

As we try to understand some of the more difficult passages in the Bible, are we too quick to become God’s critic?

Then the Lord said to Job, “Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers?” Then Job replied to the Lord, “I am nothing—how could I ever find the answers? I will cover my mouth with my hand. I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say.” (Job 40:1-5 NLT)

Did God challenge Job with questions? Do we criticize God to justify ourselves?

Then Yahweh answered Job out of the whirlwind: “Now brace yourself like a man. I will question you, and you will answer me. Will you even annul my judgment? Will you condemn me, that you may be justified? Or do you have an arm like God? Can you thunder with a voice like him? (Job 40:6-9 WEB)

Can any of us mere humans adorn ourselves with the majesty and power of God?

Adorn yourself with splendor and majesty; clothe yourself with honor and esteem. Unleash your raging anger; look on all the proud and humble them. Look on all the proud and debase them; trample the wicked in their place. Hide them together in the dust; bind their faces in a hidden place. Then I, even I, will praise you, for your strong hand has delivered you. (Job 40:10-14 CEB)

Did Job know about a huge vegetarian land animal, either living or extinct, with an incredibly large tail?

Behold, Behemoth, which I made as I made you; he eats grass like an ox. Behold, his strength in his loins, and his power in the muscles of his belly. He makes his tail stiff like a cedar; the sinews of his thighs are knit together. His bones are tubes of bronze, his limbs like bars of iron. (Job 40:15-18 ESV)

Are dinosaurs of the sauropod genera large enough to be described as the foremost of God’s creatures? Why do scientists ignore or excuse ancient petroglyphs and engravings of dinosaurs?

He is the foremost of God’s works; only his Maker can draw the sword against him. The hills yield food for him, while all sorts of wild animals play there. He lies under the lotus plants, hiding in the protection of marshy reeds. Lotus plants cover him with their shade; the willows by the brook surround him. Though the river rages, Behemoth is unafraid; he remains confident, even if the Jordan surges up to his mouth. Can anyone capture him while he looks on, or pierce his nose with snares? (Job 40:19-24 HCSB)

Are we tempted to judge God based upon this world’s standards?

But, my friend, I ask, “Who do you think you are to question God? Does the clay have the right to ask the potter why he shaped it the way he did? (Rom 9:20 CEV)

Have we learned to trust God’s decisions throughout history, or are we critics, evaluating God by worldly standards? You decide!