” ‘Your hands shaped me and made me. Will you now turn and destroy me? Remember that you molded me like clay. Will you now turn me to dust again? Did you not pour me out like milk and curdle me like cheese, clothe me with skin and flesh and knit me together with bones and sinews? You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit.’ ” (v8-12)
Job directs a lot of frustration, pain, and maybe even anger at God in this chapter. It’s clear he is hurting, and longing to be free of his suffering. He again asks for death. Yet, in the middle of his woeful monologue, he has this somewhat tender section sounding like it may have inspired Psalm 139.
Job acknowledges that he is created by God, down to the smallest fiber of his being. He likens himself to a crafted work such as pottery, cheese or fabric (I didn’t choose the metaphors, he did). Regardless of what metaphor we choose, God has made all of us for a purpose – to glorify Him (see Isa 43:1-7). I think that by living through these terrible circumstances, in the presence of his friends, Job is bringing glory to God.
I know we’re not in the exact same trials as Job, but we’re in the most difficult trial of our generation – not because our individual trials leading up to this point weren’t difficult, but because the scale of this global situation has simultaneously affected millions of people. If it is our purpose to glorify God, what better time to glorify Him than now?
So how can we bring glory to God in our circumstances? Jesus gives us a hint here: ” ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.’ ” (Jn 14:12-13) Jesus is saying that his deeds, done through us, in alignment with the will of the Father, bring glory to God.
Why would His deeds bring glory to God? Let’s quickly look at the definition of glory: “high renown or honor won by notable achievements”. God is deserving of glory (honor, renown, respect, reverence, etc) because He has earned our reverence through His countless notable deeds and achievements, including redeeming us from sin and death.
So what’s our part in this? Simple (not easy, but simple): we have a relationship with God, and be obedient to His leading, so His works through us will bring Him glory from those who see the works. I encourage us today to remain steadfast and faithful, rooting ourselves deeply in an obedient relationship with Him, so He will be glorified by the works He does through us.
Father God, our Lord and King, great and mighty is Your holy name. Holy Spirit please continue to guide us in the way we ought to go, keeping our feet firmly upon the paths of righteousness. Father please pour Your mighty deeds into us, and through us, so those around us may see Your great works. Father may those who see Your deeds praise, honor and glorify You, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training