Job 12 – The Sovereignty Of God Over All Creation!

Here in this chapter we see Job begin to answer his critics. First he points out that he is not stupid or an empty-headed dumb ass (See Job 11:12) nor inferior to any of his “wise” friends.

Then Job lets them know that he feels mocked and ridiculed, much like many just and blameless people are despised by men, even though they are a lamp to help others. Jesus spoke of this principle also in Matt.5:11-12, and though Jesus is The Light of the World (Jn.8:12), He was despised and rejected by men (Isa.53:3). As the moon has no light of its own, but merely reflects the light of the sun, so likewise are we: we have no light of our own but reflect the light of the Son of God. We are to be salt and light in the midst of darkness (Matt.5:13-16). Even robbers and those who provoke God benefit from the Common Grace of God, in that He provides for them (See Matt.5:45).

In vv.7-12 Job says that we can ask the beasts, and they will teach you; and the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, and you can even go to school with the fish, to learn that God provides for all and the hand of the LORD has done this, in whose hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind? We also need to learn to discern words with our ears, just as we taste food with our mouths, and become better discerning and more skilful with the Word of God (See Heb.5:12-14). Ultimately wisdom does not necessarily come with old age but rather with the fear of the LORD (See Prov.1:7; 9:10).

God is ultimately in complete control! Some hate the idea of that whist others love it. But this includes individuals such as Nebuchadnezzar (Dan.4, see especially vv.28-33), who learned that “Heaven Rules” (Dan.4:26), and Pharaoh, who had to learn the hard way (See Rom.9:14-24).

Here is a famous quote from R.C.Sproul: “If there is one single molecule in this universe running around loose, totally free of God’s Sovereignty, then we have no guarantee that a single promise of God will ever be fulfilled.”

It is true that He holds the whole world in His hands. But how does that effect you? Finally read Matt.6:23-34 and you will see that rather than worrying, you can trust God knowing that you are in good hands!

Michael Robson