What can we learn about God's power from "commands it to strike its mark"? Setting the Scene Elihu, the youngest of Job’s friends, is exalting God’s greatness in creation. He wants Job to see that the Lord’s ways are far beyond human scrutiny, and he pictures God wielding lightning as effortlessly as a craftsman handles his tools. Focus Verse “He covers His hands with lightning and commands it to strike its mark.” (Job 36:32) What This Reveals about God’s Power • Personal control—God “covers His hands” with lightning; it is literally in His grasp. • Sovereign authority—He “commands” the lightning; nature obeys His spoken word. • Absolute precision—each bolt “strikes its mark”; nothing in creation is random or outside His aim. • Energy beyond measure—lightning is one of earth’s most potent forces, yet it is but a tool in His hand. • Continual activity—this is not a one-time feat; every flash across every sky belongs to Him (cf. Job 37:2-3). Echoes in the Rest of Scripture • Psalm 29:3-4 – “The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders… the LORD thunders over the mighty waters.” • Psalm 135:6-7 – “Whatever the LORD pleases, He does… He brings the clouds from the ends of the earth; He sends lightning with the rain.” • Jeremiah 10:13 – “When He thunders, the waters in the heavens roar… He brings out the wind from His storehouses.” • Nahum 1:3 – “His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust beneath His feet.” • Mark 4:39-41 – Jesus stills the storm with a word, showing the same authority Elihu describes. Implications for Daily Life • Confidence in God’s governance—if lightning hits only where He directs, every detail of our lives is under His care (Matthew 10:29-31). • Freedom from fear—storms, natural or personal, cannot operate outside His command (Psalm 91:1-2). • Motivation for obedience—creation responds instantly to His voice; so should redeemed hearts (John 14:15). • Inspiration for worship—the raw power that cracks the sky is a mere whisper of His full majesty (Habakkuk 3:4). Reasons to Trust Him Right Now • His power is active, not theoretical. • His aim is perfect—He never miscalculates. • His control is total—nothing escapes His hand. • His character is good—omnipotence coupled with righteousness assures wise, loving rule (Psalm 145:17). Conclusion Every lightning flash reminds us that the universe is not left to chance; it is governed by the personal, precise, and purposeful power of the living God. |
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