Questions

Questions

• God may not always answer our questions (Job 42: 1-3)-Job 42:1 (NIV) Then Job replied to the Lord: Job 42:2 (NIV) “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.  Job 42:3 (NIV) You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.

This passage is about Job; a servant of God.  This man named Job lived a life that was blameless before the LORD.  This servant was also severely tested in the faith.  And when his faith was tested, he questioned the LORD.  He spoke to the LORD acknowledging the fact that God is all powerful, all knowing, and Soverign.  Here he acknowledges that God's plans cannot be prevented, nor changed.  Any time we attempt to change God's plans, it is clear that we do this without wisdom/understanding.  If we truly knew what we were doing, we would not even attempt to change God's plans.  Here he both is acknowledging that the LORD's wisdom is above all, and that he was speaking foolishly before the LORD, whenever he did question the LORD.  He was speaking of things that he simply did not know.  In this story we see how God's plan is a great learning lesson for Job, and for future generations to come.

• God welcomes our sincere questions (Luke 7: 18-23)-Luke 7:18 (NIV) John’s disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, Luke 7:19 (NIV) he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”  Luke 7:20 (NIV) When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’ ”  Luke 7:21 (NIV) At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind.  Luke 7:22 (NIV) So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.  Luke 7:23 (NIV) Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

God does welcome sincere questions from His Children.  In this passage, we see how Jesus' cousin John the Baptist sent believers to Jesus to ask if He was the Messiah.  Jesus replied to them, instructing them to point out the proof of healing and miracles he performed as well as the preaching of the message of Salvation and Truth to those who believe in Him, that He was in fact, the promised Messiah.  Anyone who does not stumble is blessed.  When we believe in Him, and the miracles He performed, we are blessed.  There are people who did not believe in that time that He was the promised Messiah, and instead blasphemed against the Holy Spirit, saying He casted out the demons and illness by the power of the devil.  That is the unforgivable sin; it shows you do not believe in the one true God.

• We need not be afraid when questioned about our faith (Luke 21: 12-15)-Luke 21:12 (NIV) “But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name.  Luke 21:13 (NIV) And so you will bear testimony to me.  Luke 21:14 (NIV) But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves.  Luke 21:15 (NIV) For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.

The LORD had prepared His Disciples for what was to come.  He had prepared them thoroughly; and encouraged them to be strong, have faith, and keep their eyes on the prize; eternity with Him, in Paradise.  He told them not to be afraid whenever they are brought before kings, governors, etc., on account of His name.  And so they were instructed to speak the truth about what Jesus had taught them.  He assured them that He would give them the words to speak whenever they were questioned.  It is the power of the Holy Spirit that gives them both the wisdom and words to speak at the appropriate time.  Also, whomever they speak to will not be able to deny that what they are saying is the truth. 
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• We should be ready with answers when questioned about our faith (1 Peter 3: 15)-1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

In this verse we see that we should be ready to give answers to anyone who has questions about our faith.  This is to be done with respect towards Christ our LORD and Savior.   He instructs His Children to do this with love as He would do.  We are to be a reflection of Jesus Christ.  We learn in these passages that it is ok for one to have questions for both God, and His Children.  Man is not all-knowing.  Only God is all-knowing.  With this in mind, we must be prepared to handle every situation the way He has done, with love, and respect towards one another.  I hope this study on questions is as helpful to you as it is to me.  Until the next study, be blessed.