Morning stars sang ...

Hear the word of the Lord:

Job 38:1-7, (34-41)

Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind:

Who is this that darkens counsel
by words without knowledge?
Gird up your loins like a man,

I will question you, and you shall declare to me.
Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell me, if you have understanding.
Who determined its measurements--surely you know!
Or who stretched the line upon it?
On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone
when the morning stars sang together
and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy?

Can you lift up your voice to the clouds,
so that a flood of waters may cover you?
Can you send forth lightnings,
so that they may go and say to you, 'Here we are'?
Who has put wisdom in the inward parts,
or given understanding to the mind?
Who has the wisdom to number the clouds?
Or who can tilt the waterskins of the heavens,
when the dust runs into a mass
and the clods cling together?

Can you hunt the prey for the lion,
or satisfy the appetite of the young lions,
when they crouch in their dens,
or lie in wait in their covert?
Who provides for the raven its prey,
when its young ones cry to God,
and wander about for lack of food?

Taking charge of the ocean ...

Sometimes when we talk with God, we forget to whom we’re talking.
We can forget who it is that we’re asking questions.
The way that God answers Job may seem harsh in some ways,
Yet, to me, it is the voice of a loving parent,
Trying to remind a child of:
Who truly has knowledge of the world;
who has demonstrated who they are;
And who has proven what they can do.
Hear the word of the Lord:

And now, finally, God answered Job from the eye of a violent storm. He said:

"Why do you confuse the issue?
Why do you talk without knowing what you're talking about?
Pull yourself together, Job!
Up on your feet! Stand tall!
I have some questions for you,
and I want some straight answers.

Where were you when I created the earth?
Tell me, since you know so much!
Who decided on its size? Certainly you'll know that!
Who came up with the blueprints and measurements?
How was its foundation poured,
and who set the cornerstone,
While the morning stars sang in chorus
and all the angels shouted praise?

And who took charge of the ocean
when it gushed forth like a baby from the womb?
That was me! I wrapped it in soft clouds,
and tucked it in safely at night.
Then I made a playpen for it,
a strong playpen so it couldn't run loose,
And said, 'Stay here, this is your place.
Your wild tantrums are confined to this place.'

Job 38:1-11 – THE MESSAGE

Grace and peace,

Ron

Satisfied with knowledge ...

Angela sends this prayer to us today:

And shall it please Thee
to continue here in this world
Where much is to be done
And little to be known,
Teach me by Thy Holy Spirit
To withdraw my mind
From unprofitable and dangerous inquiries,
From difficulties vainly curious,
And doubts impossible to be solved.
Let me rejoice in the right
Which Thou has implanted.
Let me serve Thee with active zeal
And humble confidence,
And wait with patient expectation
For the time in which the soul which Thou receivest
Shall be satisfied with knowledge.
Grant this, O Lord, for Jesus Christ's sake.
Amen.
--Samuel Jackson

Blessings,

Jason