How does Job 12:7 connect with Romans 1:20 about understanding God's nature? Job’s Open-Air Classroom “ ‘But ask the animals, and they will instruct you; ask the birds of the air, and they will inform you. ’ ” (Job 12:7) • Job points to living creatures as ready-made teachers. • His premise is straightforward: creation itself possesses knowledge that came from its Maker. • The “instruction” is not metaphorical only; it is a literal, observable testimony about God’s handiwork (vv. 9–10). Paul’s Cosmic Observation Deck “ ‘For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen…’ ” (Romans 1:20) • Paul echoes Job by affirming that creation communicates truth about God. • The witness is “clearly seen,” leaving humanity “without excuse.” • What Job inferred from individual creatures, Paul applies to the entirety of the created order. Unbroken Line of Testimony Job 12:7 and Romans 1:20 form a seamless chain: 1. Source of revelation—created things. 2. Content of revelation—God’s power, wisdom, and care. 3. Certainty of revelation—so evident that denial is culpable. What We Learn About God’s Nature From observing animals, birds, earth, and sea (Job) and all workmanship (Romans): • Eternal power—displayed in the vastness of galaxies, the force of oceans, the migration of birds. • Divine wisdom—seen in intricate ecosystems, DNA coding, seasonal rhythms. • Providential care—every creature’s breath “is in His hand” (Job 12:10). Practical Steps to Tune In • Step outside—watch a sunrise, notice the order and predictability that reflect a faithful Creator (Genesis 8:22). • Observe life cycles—plant a seed and witness God-given growth (Mark 4:26-29). • Consider the birds—Jesus Himself used creation as a lesson in God’s care (Matthew 6:26). • Respond in worship—join the heavens that “declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1-4). Other Scriptures Echoing the Theme • Psalm 104:24: “How many are Your works, O LORD! In wisdom You made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures.” • Isaiah 40:26: “Lift up your eyes on high and see. Who created these?” • Acts 14:17: “Yet He did not leave Himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons…” Creation, from the smallest sparrow to the farthest star, harmonizes Job’s ancient counsel and Paul’s apostolic proclamation: look, listen, and know the Creator whose fingerprints are everywhere. |
    |