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Bible StudyWeek of November 27, 2011”Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind.” So begins chapter 38. After hearing Job’s complaints, the commentary of Job’s friends and the stirring words of Elihu, the Lord speaks. Imagine that moment. Job lies crippled on his bed. His friends surround him. A mighty voice bursts forth from heaven: “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? … Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?” Humbled, Job responds: “See, I am of small account; what shall I answer you?” This conversation serves as the last act of Job’s dramatic story. All are called to contemplate the greatness and glory of God. We stand as feeble, frail creatures before Him. Yet, with the Psalmist we can find comfort in God’s concern for us. “What is man that you should be mindful of him? The son of man that you should seek him out?” (Psalm 8:5) As is so often the case with the Wednesday Bible study group, the current study ends too soon. It seems we’re just getting a handle on Job, and we are done. The book is worth multiple readings and repeated study. Each time we sit with Job and his friends, we realize more and more why this ancient book is one of the great stories of the human condition. As Elihu said: “The Almighty – we cannot find him; he is great in power and justice, and abundant righteousness he will not violate.” (37:23)
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