Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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WE BELIEVE IN THE TRIUNE GOD
Job. 38:1-11
“Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge?” (V.2)
Faith in the Triune God is one of the basic Christian beliefs. We believe that God is one but manifested in three persons. Various functions are associated with these three persons. In this passage manifestation of God in three persons is not mentioned. But different functions of Triune God are visible - God as the creator, the divine wisdom and the comforter.
Creator God encounters with his afflicted creation
Job never denies the existence of God. But he has many questions to the creator. Here God appears to Job to answer his questions. Job.38-41 is a portrayal of God's creation. A storm often accompanies a divine appearance in biblical tradition. The same term 'whirlwind' is used to describe the theophany to Ezekiel. (Ezekiel 1:4). Elijah went up into heaven by a whirlwind (2Kings 2:11). God encounters Job with three sorts of questions: Who are you? Where were you? Are you able? The proper answers are, I am nothing, I was not there and I am not able. In Job 38:4-7, the earth is imaged as a great building that God, as architect and builder, constructs. The image of morning stars and heavenly beings singing and shouting serves to interpret the creation of the earth as the building of God's temple. The sea is the traditional symbol of primordial chaos. But it was controlled and used for the purpose of creation. God affirms Job that He is the creator and controls all chaotic forces.
Divine Wisdom surpasses all human understanding
Bible describes the Second Person in Trinity as Logos- the Word and the Divine Wisdom. As John says, "all things were made through Him and without Him was not anything made that was made." (John1:3). Here God asks: "Who determined its measurements - surely you know or who stretched the line upon it?" (v.5). There is indeed a great wisdom and architecture behind the creation. What/who is that mastermind? The Hebrew words for "to know" or "knowledge" and "to understand or discern" and "understanding" occur many times in this passage. There are limitations for the understanding of Job as well as his friends. But the divine wisdom has no limit. "The probes God makes of Job have a creative purpose." The aim is not destruction but Job's transformation.
Presence of Divine Comforter
The content of God's answer concerns neither Job's innocence nor his suffering. But the purpose of divine revelation and words were to console Job. The traditional "consolations of religion" as uttered by Job's friends are insufficient. Job's own understandings about sufferings are also not sufficient. But the divine comforting presence consoles him. We understand the Third Person in Trinity as the Comforter."But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things."(John 14:26 KJV). He fulfils our life and perfects our imperfections.
Prayer: O God, You are the creator and controller of everything. In Your mastermind You have a purpose for everything including our lives. Help us to understand that purpose especially when we are going through trials and tribulations. Comfort us and lead us to the fulfillment of Your purpose….. Amen
Thought for the day: “The Trinity: One in Three, Three in One". (R. Alan Woods)
Rev.Joe John , St.James MTC, New York


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