11-29-14. Job 38:39-41. Jesus provides. We can trust God.
Job 38:39-41. Jesus provides. We can trust God. Kevin E. Jesmer
Job 38:39-41, “39 Do you hunt the prey for the lioness and satisfy the hunger of the lions 40 when they crouch in their dens or lie in wait in a thicket? Who provides food for the raven when its young cry out to God and wander about for lack of food?” (NIV)
Our God is the provider. God provides for all his creatures, both those creatures are very capable hunters and those who are struggling for lack of food. Look at Job 38:39-41, “39 Do you hunt the prey for the lioness and satisfy the hunger of the lions 40 when they crouch in their dens or lie in wait in a thicket? Who provides food for the raven when its young cry out to God and wander about for lack of food?” God provides for all, from the successful hunters and even the most vulnerable of creation. If he does this for them how much more will he care for us, “Oh you of little faith.” (Matt 6:30)
Job has tasted both aspects of life of the hunting and gathering life. He had been like a successful lion, competing and “winning” in the ancient economy. He was a rich, ranch owner with many servants and fruitful family. He was like a hunting lioness. (39) But even with all his accomplishments, it was not him, but God, providing the victories in life and all the abundant resources. Those who are very successful “hunters” in our society, the ones who can make a lot of money and have an abundance of material things, God is providing for them. They need to be humble and thankful and realize that it not just their own, superior, human efforts that makes them survivors. It is God’s provision and grace to them and thank God.
Later, all of Job’s laurels were stripped away. He was left with nothing, not his riches, nor family nor his health. He never even had encouraging friends around him. He was like a raven, crying out to God and wandering about for lack of food. (41) But God also provides for the raven and it’s young. Those who are struggling to survive in this world, God provides for them also. He may not give them an abundance, but he gives them what they need. He does not always give us what we want, but he gives us what we need. God provides. We can trust his provision. God sees, cares and provides. Ebenezer! Which means, “Thus far the Lord has provided.”
In regards to Job, what could he want that the Lord is able to provide? Job wants forgiveness and grace. He wants to be healed of his sickness. He wants his life restored. He wants his family back. He wants to be set free from pain and the fear of death. He wants freedom from the bad memories of the past. He wants to set free from the remorse caused by past sins. He wants true hope, healing and strength to move forward with his life. He wants answers, as to why he was suffering so much. He wants the peace of God and eternal life with the Lord in the Kingdom of God. God can and is willing to provide these things according to his will…in his way and in his time. Some things may be provided for in heaven. But God cares about our situation. He wants to provide and he can provide for his is the Creator and the Sovereign ruler of the universe. Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
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