The psalmist’s testimony (Psalm 104) demonstrates a humble recognition of God’s boundless love and power. Joel offers a historical example of calamity when we try to seize power and fail to love God without reservation. The story of Job illustrates that life is not so simple as “love God, everything is good; sin against God, all is lost.” We come to the end of the story, after Job has been tested by the Adversary and then endured a series of “consolations” and accusations by his friends. They were stuck on the retributive model of sin and righteousness mentioned above.

In a series of “If I had . . . ” statements, Job agrees that, if true, these claims would be proof of sin. But he hasn’t done those things; and because of his innocent suffering, Job demands justice from God. (Be careful what you wish for!) What he receives instead probably feels like a pointed put-down to his demand.

“Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?” God, speaking with great power (from a whirlwind), asks a series of questions that Job is too humbled to answer directly. “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?” “Do you know the measurement of the universe?” [Obviously not.] God reminds Job that humans do not possess full divine power and knowledge. We have limits, and it’s good to remember them.

Does this mean that God doesn’t care what happens to us? No, the Psalms are full of complaints and pleas just like Job’s. God wants justice and reconciliation for all of creation. So what does it mean? Perhaps that as a people called to be holy, we realize that these lofty goals set by God are not something we can create for ourselves, sustain for ourselves, or know fully ourselves. We need God’s light and counsel.