Where Were You?

I really feel for Job, don't you?  He was doing his best to live a good life, justified and sanctified.  He defends God when his wife tells him to just die and get it over with.  He maintains his innocence in the face of his friend's accusations.  And when he finally gives in to the suffering and loss, demanding that God explain just why he should suffer so much, what does he get?  A kindly, gentle, bumbling angel named Clarence to help him find his way?  No!  A voice from a whirlwhind!

And what does the voice say?  God pretty much puts Job in his place, answering his question with questions that point out how ridiculous it is for Job to demand an explanation.  After all, if Job wasn't there when God created EVERYTHING then how could Job possibly comprehend the answer?

I find it completely unsatifying that Job gets a response but no answers.  God's response does not mention humans, does not even acknowledge Job's situation and suffering.  God's response speaks of the wonders of creation, but there is no cause and effect, no good and evil.   It simply is. 

So God's actions in the world are God's actions in the world.  They are not about reward and punishment, they are not about us(me), they simply are.  In simply being, they are mystery and mysterious.   Even though I want to think I'm in control, I'm not and in the end creation belongs to God.  We don't earn our blessings any more than we earn or trials.  I am not the center of the universe, but I am not alone.   God responds, I just need to listen.