Theophany

Job 38: 1 - 21; 40: 3-5

Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation?

Job was fortunate to have been confronted in such a way by God. At least, that might be the thought of those who receive no 'answers' themselves, in the midst of their grappling with suffering. But I must say that Job wrestled with God, truly and honestly had an argument with God about the meaning, purpose and justice of all his suffering. Job prayerfully persevered. He addressed God out of his suffering. He did not merely complain to himself or to others about it. He sought an answer from the only One who, he knew had the answers. In the midst of it all, his reference point was still God, however confused he was.

My friend would prefer if God granted theophanies more often. Why is it that people are left as if 'forsaken' by a supposedly loving God, a loving Father, in their suffering? In pain, with no peace, with no answer. I do not know why we rarely are at the receiving end of an obvious theophany. But I do personally believe that God often chooses to 'answer' in other ways, sometimes so subtle that we might miss his response. Sometimes the answer requires another human's reaching out to the suffering that seems to just go on and on......Perhaps human hands and feet can put flesh to God's response, by just being there for the person.

On the other hand, there is wisdom in the insight of spiritual teachers of the past, who remind us that we should not neglect our prayer in good times, seeking God only in the difficult times. Times of graced consolation are times when we store up spiritual strength for those times when, because of difficult circumstances we weaken in faith and resolve. In those darker times, we recall the times when God has been 'real' to us. We are more able to trust in his abiding presence during the times when he seems 'hidden', because we have experienced it before.

For Job, God's response is a long speech that reminds Job that God is God, and Job is not. As I read this, my sense is one of a loving God (Father) chiding his child who fusses and frets over a pain he cannot possibly understand. Even here the analogy is weak. For God is beyond any human parent, both in wisdom and in love. His answer comes from a love that we could never fully fathom. He is in charge of a world that he created, sustains and is redeeming, out of love. There is no other 'defense' needed. Neither should well meaning Christians try to explain away the harshness of life when another suffers. Just be there prayerfully for the person. Let God answer, as and when he chooses.