9/19/09

Rainbows, suffering and mortality

Believe it or not this is a rainbow, but seen from under the surface of the water! I can't even begin to count the rainbows I have seen during my lifetime, but this one is unique. Just when you think you can't be surprised, whammo! Oddly enough, this made me think of Job and his situation. Throughout the book bearing his name, he argues with his "friends" over the cause for his problems and ailments. He steadfastly holds to his being right before God and man, but when he tries to argue with God, he is put in his place!
Job 40:1-14
40 Moreover Yahweh answered Job,2 "Shall he who argues contend with the Almighty? He who argues with God, let him answer it."3 Then Job answered Yahweh,4 "Behold, I am of small account. What shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth.5 I have spoken once, and I will not answer; Yes, twice, but I will proceed no further."6 Then Yahweh answered Job out of the whirlwind,7 "Now brace yourself like a man. I will question you, and you will answer me.8 Will you even annul my judgment? Will you condemn me, that you may be justified?9 Or have you an arm like God? Can you thunder with a voice like him?10 "Now deck yourself with excellency and dignity. Array yourself with honor and majesty.11 Pour forth the fury of your anger. Look on everyone who is proud, and bring him low.12 Look on everyone who is proud, and humble him. Crush the wicked in their place.13 Hide them in the dust together. Bind their faces in the hidden place.14 Then I will also admit to you That your own right hand can save you. WEB
Job had forgotten he was but a mere mortal and God was the Almighty one! The good news is Job realizes his error and repents! God restores blessings to Job and all is well in the end. Suffering and being right before God are not necessarily linked together, but humility and being right are because pride is a sin. Its all how you look at it; just like seeing a rainbow again and this time for the first time.