Creator and Creature

One reason that God is incomprehensibly great is that we are different kinds of beings.

God is the Creator. And he is not only the Creator, but he is a self-existent Creator. God is absolutely self-sufficient. His existence is based upon himself.

By contrast, we are his creation. Our existence is based on God's existence.

Have you ever been swimming in an ocean? If you go swimming in the Panhandle of Florida, in some places they have flags on the beach. The reason is that when a rip tide is present, the force of that current can pull even Olympic swimmers out to their deaths.

To tiptoe into an ocean is a reminder of how small and insignificant we are compared to the one who created the oceans.

In Job 38, God has a climactic showdown with his servant, Job. Here's how it starts:

"Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: 'Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me. Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.'"

In this encounter, God asks some other tough questions. For instance: "Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place? Have you comprehended the expanse of the earth? Declare, if you know all this."

Job 38 is a humbling chapter of the Scriptures.

Here's the big idea: Because God is the Creator, and we are his creatures, God will always be beyond our understanding.

Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: 'Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me. Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.'

Spend some time in Creation — somewhere that makes you feel small. It could be the beach, the mountains, the forest - anywhere that reminds you of the vastness of God's handiwork.

While you're there, open your Bible to Job 38 and read through the questions God asks Job. Let each one sink in and ask yourself how you would respond if God were asking you those same questions.

Finally, take some time to pray. Thank God for His incredible power and wisdom, and acknowledge your dependence on Him. Ask Him to help you live each day with a humble awareness of who He is.