March 16, 2009
in all things glorify god—it is never too late to start
Job 12
Debbie Cunningham
Central Truth
God is the ruler of all creatures. It is not by chance that things take place, but only with God's permission. When he was seemingly robbed of every ounce of God's favor, Job remained faithful, knowing beyond understanding that God was in control.
Key Verse | Job 12:8–10
"Or speak to the earth and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea declare to you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this, in whose hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all the human race." (Job 12:8-10)
Job 12
Job Replies: The LORD Has Done This
1 Then Job answered and said:
2
“No doubt you are the people,
and wisdom will die with you.
3
But I have understanding as well as you;
I am not inferior to you.
Who does not know such things as these?
4
I am a laughingstock to my friends;
I, who called to God and he answered me,
a just and blameless man, am a laughingstock.
5
In the thought of one who is at ease there is contempt for misfortune;
it is ready for those whose feet slip.
6
The tents of robbers are at peace,
and those who provoke God are secure,
who bring their god in their hand.
1
12:6
The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain
7
But ask the beasts, and they will teach you;
the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you;
8
or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you;
2
12:8
Or or speak to the earth, and it will teach you
and the fish of the sea will declare to you.
9
Who among all these does not know
that the hand of the LORD has done this?
10
In his hand is the life of every living thing
and the breath of all mankind.
11
Does not the ear test words
as the palate tastes food?
12
Wisdom is with the aged,
and understanding in length of days.
13
With God
3
12:13
Hebrew him
are wisdom and might;
he has counsel and understanding.
14
If he tears down, none can rebuild;
if he shuts a man in, none can open.
15
If he withholds the waters, they dry up;
if he sends them out, they overwhelm the land.
16
With him are strength and sound wisdom;
the deceived and the deceiver are his.
17
He leads counselors away stripped,
and judges he makes fools.
18
He looses the bonds of kings
and binds a waistcloth on their hips.
19
He leads priests away stripped
and overthrows the mighty.
20
He deprives of speech those who are trusted
and takes away the discernment of the elders.
21
He pours contempt on princes
and loosens the belt of the strong.
22
He uncovers the deeps out of darkness
and brings deep darkness to light.
23
He makes nations great, and he destroys them;
he enlarges nations, and leads them away.
24
He takes away understanding from the chiefs of the people of the earth
and makes them wander in a trackless waste.
25
They grope in the dark without light,
and he makes them stagger like a drunken man.
Dive Deeper | Job 12
God never promised that we would be free from suffering on earth. We all face circumstances in our lives that will pose questions about God's goodness, especially in times of grief over our loved ones, both young and old. Even strong believers often can't understand or fathom how a righteous God can allow us to feel great pain. As a child of God and His obedient servant, I should defend the acts of our Father even in what feels to be the depths of hell.
My most difficult moment came when God allowed my 5-year-old daughter Amber's life on earth to end. It is one of the most life-shattering experiences I've faced—that the most loving and gracious God would have permitted this to happen. There were so many questions that wrongfully pointed to God's punishment of me and allowed me to question His goodness and purpose. How could her death possibly glorify Him?
Many years have now passed. As I continue seeking Him, sharing my story and prayerfully believing that God's plan was fair and just, I have come to a point where it is apparent that God is being glorified. My memories of Amber are painfully sweet, but I am obedient by letting others know how God's grace is sufficient in my life.
"Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we may be able to comfort those experiencing any trouble with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow toward us, so also our comfort through Christ overflows to you. But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort that you experience in your patient endurance of the same sufferings that we also suffer. And our hope for you is steadfast because we know that as you share in our sufferings, so also you will share in our comfort." (2 Corinthians 1:3-7)
Discussion Questions
1. When have you questioned God's goodness? Have there been times that you doubted His plan?
2. When have you chosen to boldly stand up for God rather than walk away from Him in a difficult situation?
3. What will others learn from the way you choose to grieve?
4. How will you use the loss of your loved one(s) to glorify God?