The Power of Questions

This morning our neighborhood is blanketed with snow. It is a dazzling sight to see the sparkling crystals join together to make such a beautiful winter scene. What I love about a fresh snowfall is the absolute peace and quiet that follows it. It is as if God made a statement and all of creation is speechless because of His awesome display of beauty.
This morning, our daily Bible reading was in Isaiah 40. In this passage Isaiah asks a series of questions regarding the nature of God: “Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? Who has understood the mind of the LORD or instructed him as his counselor? Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge or showed him the path of understanding?” (Isa. 40:12-14) For some reason, the questions actually cause me to think more intently about the nature of God. There is power contained in the questions because we must ponder the answer to those questions.
Isaiah 40 isn’t the only place in Scripture where questions are asked about God’s unwavering character and majesty. Psalm 89 echoes the same thoughts: “The heavens praise your wonders, O LORD, your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones. For who in the skies above can compare with the LORD? Who is like the LORD among the heavenly beings? In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him. O LORD Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty O LORD and your faithfulness surrounds you.” (Ps. 89:5-8) The Psalmist answers his own questions with resounding truth about the eternal nature of God.
In the book of Job, God himself asked a series of questions concerning his own might and power as Job was wrestling with the unfortunate events of his life. God’s questions continued for three entire chapters. Job’s response to God’s questioning was: “You said, ‘Listen now and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.’ My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:4-5) Job fell to his knees in repentance and obedience after God’s elaborate questioning. When Job sought the answer to God’s questions, he had to come face to face with the fact that God was God and there was no other like him. No one else could take the place of God.
As God questions us, may we be like Job who said, “I know you can do all things; and no plan of yours can be thwarted. You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know…” (Job 42:3)
Our God is the great King over all of the earth; the Majestic Ruler who is unending in knowledge and wisdom. The snow this morning is a reminder to me of this fact.
“How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth!” (Psalm 47:2)