Job 13:22-23

22 Then call [qara'] thou, and I will answer [`anah]: or let me speak [dabar], and answer [shuwb] thou me.

23 How many are mine iniquities [`avon] and sins [chatta'ah]? make me to know [yada`] my transgression [pesha`] and my sin [chatta'ah]. KJV-Interlinear

22 'Then call, and I will answer; Or let me speak, then reply to me. 23 'How many are my iniquities and sins? Make known to me my rebellion and my sin. NASB

Just as Job had his traumatic catastrophes when his children died in a sudden storm, so we now learn of a disaster in a Virginia University where there are going to be thirty or more mourning families because of a lone killer filled with passion, hate and who knows what else.

I haven't heard all of the details yet, but there will certainly be more to come on the news later this evening.

Disaster can come at us from any direction, and without warning. That is the nature of this world.

So long as the devil is in charge, the world will never have any form of fairness about it. And so long as there are folks who are skeptical of even the concept of a devil, then realities will continue to consume the na ve, and they will never wake up.

So now we have Job addressing God in a manner which seems rather odd.

Or is it?

God has described Job as an upright guy. This description began way back in chapter one. Satan is portrayed in his role of accuser or adversary, in his attacks against Job, just to prove that God is wrong, and he, Satan, is right.

Job is the pawn or the victim of Satan, of which Satan cares nothing.

But now we have something peculiar in Jobs words. God is seemingly challenged to bring forth proof, or a list of Job's sins in order to advance his case.

Job challenges God to hear, and then respond.

But Job has already stated that he was a sinner and unworthy in the general sense. His only complaint thus far is that he has done nothing wrong to warrant such suffering as he currently has. That his suffering is not due to extraordinary sins or hypocrisy, but due to something else.

So there seems to be an inconsistency in Jobs words, here. But again, I say, is there really an inconsistency, or is something else being painted for us.

And of course there is another picture which is about to be painted for us. One stroke at a time, one cannot make out an entire picture, but when the picture is nearly complete, then the whole thing becomes clear. And that is where we are in these remarks of Job. It will take several chapters to complete this picture, but complete it we will.

Why are we here? Why did God create humanity?

We know from geology, archeology, and other sciences that a culture, if you will, existed prior to our current human history. Before us were the dinosaurs. Contemporary with the dinosaurs was a human like creature, Cro-Magnon and Neanderthal types, walked the earth prior to Adam and Eve. They are not a part of our current human history.

And prior to them, the angels existed and traveled the universe to their hearts content.

From the beginning, angels existed in perfect harmony, then the universe was created and things fell apart with the rebellion of Satan.

And so our portrait begins.

In the beginning of our book, Job existed with prosperity and relative harmony in his life. Along comes Satan, challenging God, and condemning Job with no real reason for his antagonistic attitude. One thing did not work and so Satan tries something else. Then he leaves the scene, but still exists in the background. Jobs friends take over where Satan left off, and without any evidence whatsoever, they level an attack against Job.

Jobs life or human existence, is made to be miserable, because of the actions of others.

And such is the nature of humanity. To challenge, to contest, to require proof of ones indiscretions.

'You God, you listen and I will speak. Then you God, will have your say, your chance to answer. Call me to trial, summon me to my defense.' These are words of courts of justice. And the proceedings are those of history.

Job assumes the role of both plaintiff and defendant. And in so doing, he will ask a series of rhetorical questions, designed to make you think.

Some folks will actually think and begin to learn the lessons contained within this book. Most will just roll their eyes and direct their attention to more important worldly things in their life. Things that we all know are nothing more than temporary vanities.

And so the challenge stands. The challenge which Satan started eons ago, and has perpetuated throughout history, in order that God will be made to answer every possible situation that can exist, and until Satan runs out of challenges.

Now is the time to post a prayer.