I Am Insignificant

February 21, 2024
by Pastor Chuck Swindoll
Scriptures: Job 40:1–5
Then Job replied to the LORD,

“I am nothing—how could I ever find the answers? I will cover my mouth with my hand.

I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say.” (Job 40:3–5)
If you take the time to analyze those words, you'll see that Job has three responses. The first is a response of humility. The second is a response of relief. And the third is a response of surrender. That's all God wanted to hear. And what an important change for Job! Without realizing it, he had become this independent, determined, self-assured apologist defending himself. Without saying so, he'd begun to appear as if he had his arms around the providence of God.

His first response is verse 4, "I am insignificant." Many of those who have been schooled in the fine points of psychology will reject this response. They will say we should be encouraged to realize how important we are, how valuable we are to God, what a significant place we fill in this world. They would counsel, "Don't think or say, 'I am insignificant.' " Before we're tempted to go there, take note that God doesn't reprove Job for saying he is insignificant or unworthy.

We'd put it this way: "I'm a lightweight." Frankly, it's true. It is an appropriate term for Job to use after being asked so many things he couldn't answer and shown so much he didn't understand. In unguarded humility the man admits, "I'm insignificant."

His second statement is, "What can I reply to You?" I see that as an expression of relief. God didn't want answers, He knew the answers. He knows all of them! He wanted Job to acknowledge, "I don't know any of the answers. And if I don't know about those things, as objective as they are, how could I ever fully understand the profound mysteries surrounding my world?" By acknowledging that, quiet relief replaced troubling resistance.

My point here—and this is terribly important: When we are broken and brought to the end of ourselves, it is not for the purpose of gaining more answers to spout off to others. It's to help us acknowledge that the Lord is God, and His plans and reasons are deeper and higher and broader than we can comprehend. Therefore, we are relieved from having to give answers or defend them.

Job's third response is a statement of surrender: "I lay my hand on my mouth," verse 4 concludes. "I dare not say more. I've said enough—actually too much—already."

Can you make these three admissions to God? If not, work on it!

Responding to Tyranny -
We are called to reprove and resist the blatant wickedness perpetrated by the powers-that-be. Don't drink the 'greater Israel' Kool-Aid!
https://cyberspacelinkdock.com/tyranny.html

Thought for Thursday, 08/31:
"Think not those faithful who praise all thy words and actions; but those who kindly reprove thy faults." ~ Socrates

Indeed! Personal Accounts of the Resurrection Story: The Disciples
APRIL 8, 2023

Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit.
Luke 24:36-37

Recommended Reading: Matthew 28:9-10
Suppose you attend the funeral of a dear friend or family member on Tuesday and witness his burial. Suddenly, on Thursday you are confronted by a mutual friend who swears that the deceased person is now alive. And then later that day, the deceased person himself comes into the room where you are gathered with others. How would you respond?

That happened to Jesus’ disciples. They witnessed the death and burial of Jesus on a Friday, then saw Him alive again on Sunday. When they heard from Mary that Jesus was alive, “they did not believe” (Mark 16:11). Then, when Jesus appeared in their midst, “they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit.” Can you blame them? Jesus didn’t blame or reprove their lack of belief. He understood their fears.

Nor does Jesus reprove us when we are fearful. Let us receive the words Jesus spoke to His disciples: “Peace to you.” Jesus’ perfect love casts out all fear (1 John 4:18).

The time of fear is the time to trust.
John MacBeath

Responding to Tyranny -
As the conspiracy of the age is being irrefutably exposed, we are called to reprove and resist the blatant wickedness perpetrated by the powers-that-be.
https://deceptionwatch.net/f/responding-to-tyranny