Snow

“God thunders wondrously with his voice; he does great things that we cannot comprehend. For to the snow he says, ‘Fall on the earth’; and the shower of rain, his heavy shower of rain, serves as a sign on everyone’s hand, so that all whom he has made may know it.” Job 37:5-7

Snow! The Lord must have said, “fall on the earth,” for it has. Not quite as much as predicted, perhaps, but a nice snow nonetheless. In preparation, Grace moved to remote learning for today. Plows have been out clearing the roads. Soon, I’ll be out shoveling. Hopefully the boys are still in their “shoveling is fun” phase. As it covers everything, it affects everything.

Elihu shows up late in the Book of Job. He has sat silent, it seems, throughout most of the book, listening to Job and the three “friendly accusers” talk about Job’s suffering. As a seminary professor quipped, “Job’s friends did everything right, until they opened their mouths.” When he speaks (as in today’s verses) Elihu acquits himself better than the others. He exalts God’s goodness and praises God’s majesty. The snow, Elihu declares, is a reminder of God’s undeniable power.

Elihu’s wisdom, though better that that of the other friends, only goes so far. Human knowing only goes so far. The Lord’s answer to Job in the next chapter has a subtle rebuke of Elihu (“Have you entered the storehouses of the snow?”), reminding him the the divine majesty he extols is beyond his, Elihu’s, knowing, too.

We cannot know the ways of God. We can, however, trust what we do know. God has covered us in the mercy and grace of Christ. Let today’s snow, blanketing the earth so peacefully, be a sign of God’s grace. Your sins are covered over. Your life is hidden in Christ. God continues to be at work, sending snow, sending mercy, beyond our comprehension.

Be well, friends. You are loved.

Lord of creation, we praise your name name! You continue to work, calling creation into being moment by moment. Remind us of our dependence upon your mercy. Fill us with grace. Cover our sins. Loose our tongues to proclaim your majesty. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Image: The Christmas tree in the Grace Memorial Garden this morning. Photo credit: Rich Brooks.