4. Old Testament Walkers and Talkers

xiv. Job

Thinking

Job has to be one of the high points of conversation with God. The book is mysterious to many, but about a man of whom God said, "There is no one like him on the earth; a blameless and upright man who fears God and turns away from evil" (Job 1: 8).

This is not the place to summarize the book of Job. That task is for others, but we can be inspired and led in our understanding about walking and talking with God. We read that God allowed Job to be tested and that he stood back when catastrophe came. The "comforters" discoursed with him at length, but Job held fast to his faith. Finally, God spoke to him (Job chapters 38 to 41), and Job responded (Job 42: 2-6). These are not words of commandment or instruction that we have seen given to the patriarchs, to Moses and to others. God spoke to Job out of the storm - out of the storm of life, to minister to his soul, and to reinforce the God-man relationship with him. While at no time do we read of doubt on the part of Job, his faith was undergoing an assault. God stepped in - in conversation. Job replied, "Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know" (Job 42: 3). "I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you" (Job 42: 5). This awareness of God was the result of, but also enabled, conversation with God.

Praying

Lord, just now, I want these thoughts about Job to lead my mind as I respond to you. Perhaps the modern paraphrase, or rather my testimony, is that, "my ears had heard of you, my eyes had read about you, my mind had thought about you, but now my soul has known your presence because you have spoken to me deep within, and have shown me your love."

Listening

My son, you have raised again this deep and important concept of the awareness by your spirit that enables you to know my presence and hear my voice. This is the eternal part of you that I will take on into an eternity with me. I am pleased that you are beginning to understand, but your conversation is still just an intermittent flow of stumbling words. Listen to me more carefully, and reach out into my presence. Let me teach you and lead you through conversation into deep communion and oneness with me.

Praying

Precious Lord, my words really stumble when you say awesome things like this. My words are insufficient to describe the fire of love that you ignite, and that I want to reflect straight back to you now.

Listening

I accept your love, my son, but you also need to come down from the mountain. You will express your love for me most completely as you direct it towards people around you.

Praying

I will, Lord, but I also stumble in this area too. Please help me.

Copyright Howard Smith 2002. All Rights reserved.

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