I’ve never felt satisfied by the book of Job when we learn that God blessed the latter part of his life more significantly than the beginning. We all know that no amount of children or wealth would help him to forget his losses. The rest of his life – as bounteous as it may have been – was forever marked by his trials. Surely, he continued to mourn for his dead children, just as he rejoiced over his living children. The significant blessings that God poured out on him were glorious, but they did not replace or erase the significant losses.
I don’t believe that was God’s intention.
So, whenever I get to the the conclusion of that ancient story, I can’t help but return to a question that God asks Job earlier in the story. Like the chorus of a catchy tune on the radio, God’s question replays in my mind long after the dust has settled and Job is once again feasting at a table full of family and friends:
1 Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm. He said:
2 “Who is this that obscures my plans
with words without knowledge?
3 Brace yourself like a man;
I will question you,
and you shall answer me.
4 “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?”
Throughout the 38th and 39th chapter, God bombards Job with similar questions – demanding “Who is like Me?” “Who is like Me?”
Under such questioning, the human heart melts to putty. All Job can say (and we, too) is:
2 “I know that you can do all things;
no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
3 You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’
Surely I spoke of things I did not understand,
things too wonderful for me to know.
4 “You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak;
I will question you,
and you shall answer me.’
5 My ears had heard of you
but now my eyes have seen you.
6 Therefore I despise myself
and repent in dust and ashes.â€
That is the scene that keeps replaying in my mind as I think about our sweet Juliette, who awaits us in Heaven, and our sweet baby boy, who awaits us in my womb. When friends ask how I am doing as the one-year memorial comes and goes, I feel tongue-tied. One foot stands in sorrow and the other in unspeakable joy. I feel like my eyes are turned upwards, my hands are open, and I am unable to form an explanation for why life is one way and not another. The only response that comes to mind is that ancient question that God asks each of us over and over again throughout our lifetimes… “Who is like God?”
Comments
5 responses to “Who is Like God?”
It hasn’t been too long since I found your blog and I just wanted to let you know how encouraging it’s been to know that someone else has gone through what I went through — the stillbirth of a child. Last September, I was 28 weeks pregnant with my second child when I found out that his heart wasn’t beating anymore. How would anybody be able to go through such a tragedy without the help of the Lord? Thank you for sharing your thoughts and reminding me what a majestic God we serve.
Praying for you today and sending big virtual hugs to you my sweet friend. Wish I could do so much more!
Thank you for explaining to me why I never liked the end of job, either! I really appreciate this post – you put words to things I have only felt but not fully understood and believed until now. Blessings.
laura, thanks once again for the great post! i have always hated the ending of job for the reasons you mentioned..particularly after experiencing the grief of family members who died.
It was so encouraging to learn awhile back, that the point of job was not that his family and goods were replaced…and then some, but he saw who God was…the greatness of Him. Amazing! That we could come thro’ that kind of suffering and rejoice b/c of how much better our worship is because of it!
I also loved how you applied it both to the loss of your sweet daughter and the coming birth of your son. I didn’t have that understanding when I was in a similar situation. Very comforting!
10 million miles and you always find joy and God’s grace on the journey! Sending you lots of love as you especially remember Juliette in these days.