Introduction
Job 36:27—37:13: In today’s reading, Elihu’s advice to Job focuses on how hard it is for human beings to fully understand God’s ways.
Today’s Key Verse: Job 37:5 GNT
At God’s command, amazing things happen, wonderful things that we can’t understand.
Read
27 It is God who takes water from the earth
and turns it into drops of rain.
28 He lets the rain pour from the clouds
in showers for all human beings.
29 No one knows how the clouds move
or how the thunder roars
through the sky, where God dwells.
30 He sends lightning through all the sky,
but the depths of the sea remain dark.
31 This is how he feeds[a] the people
and provides an abundance of food.
32 He seizes the lightning with his hands
and commands it to hit the mark.
33 Thunder announces the approaching storm,
and the cattle know it is coming.
37 The storm makes my heart beat wildly.
2 Listen, all of you, to the voice of God,
to the thunder that comes from his mouth.
3 He sends the lightning across the sky,
from one end of the earth to the other.
4 Then the roar of his voice is heard,
the majestic sound of thunder,
and all the while the lightning flashes.
5 At God’s command amazing things happen,
wonderful things that we can’t understand.
6 He commands snow to fall on the earth,
and sends torrents of drenching rain.
7 He brings our work to a stop;
he shows us what he can do.[b]
8 The wild animals go to their dens.
9 The storm winds come from the south,
and the biting cold from the north.
10 The breath of God freezes the waters,
and turns them to solid ice.
11 Lightning flashes from the clouds,[c]
12 as they move at God’s will.
They do all that God commands,
everywhere throughout the world.
13 God sends rain to water the earth;
he may send it to punish us,
or to show us his favor.
Reflect
Yesterday’s reading concluded with Elihu telling Job that we cannot fully know God’s greatness. In today’s reading, what images does Elihu evoke to point to God’s greatness? Verse 13 says that God may send rain “to punish us” or “to show us his favor,” but also “to water the earth.” Do you think some of God’s acts are not directly related to people? What were your thoughts as you read through the things that happen at God’s command?
Pray
Lord God, you made heaven and earth and your greatness is seen in your creation and in all that takes place at your command. I am in awe of your mighty deeds and thank and praise you for all your wonderful and amazing works. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Job 37:14–24: Elihu concludes his advice to Job.
