Lecture Number 97

And the LORD said to Job: “Shall a fault-finder contend with the Almighty? He who argues with God, let him answer it.”
Then Job answered the LORD: “Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer thee? I lay my hand on my mouth. I have spoken once, and I will not answer; twice, but I will proceed no further.”
Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind: “Gird up your loins like a man; I will question you, and you declare to me . . .” Job 40:1-7
My wife and her sister claim that they catalogued their mother’s lectures. When she started in, they would look at each other, roll their eyes, and say, “Here comes lecture number 97!” Do you find yourself lecturing your children or students and wish you could stop it? Don't worry about it—lecturing is biblical.
In our scripture passage, we find Job answering God in the middle of a lecture that spans four chapters! In response to Job's demands, God has just spent 71 verses asking Job if he can do what God can. When confronted with the power of the Almighty, Job admits he has nothing to say. God, knowing that Job is in a “teachable” mood, continues for another 52 verses, hammering the point home.
God hasn't changed—He does the same to us today, teaching us His truth. He is the perfect parent, desiring that we not only accept the truth, but that we put it into practice, becoming more and more like His perfect Son, Jesus. So remember, if the same uncomfortable things keep happening to you, maybe it's just God trying to get your attention and give you “Lecture Number 97” again.