Issue 723 – the Whirlwind – April 23, 2022

Yesterday, Kathy and I took a stroll around Willband Creek Park in Abbotsford. As usual, there were plenty of people about, a few dogs to visit, and lots of birds to be seen. The swallows are back in large numbers, and all the nesting boxes are claimed.

I chatted with a fisherman who was having no luck. Originally from Saskatchewan, he knew how to catch pike, walleye and perch, but fishing for some of the local species was new. Like him, I will have to learn new ways of fishing because I am familiar with catching pike and the like, not bass, catfish and the myriad of other species in this area.

While Kathy and I were walking, a small whirlwind grabbed my baseball cap and threw it to the ground. We both tried to catch it as the wind blew it in circles around us. Eventually, we were successful, but I am sure it would have been entertaining to watch. We laughed about dancing with the wind.

I have seen tornados and hurricanes and the damage they can do. Those larger whirlwinds are not as amusing as the one that took my cap for a spin, and I could happily go the rest of my life without encountering another.

The term whirlwind appears around 40 times in the Scripture, depending on the translation. It is most often a symbol of power or judgement.

In the book of Job, we see Job and his friends questioning the goodness and wisdom of God. God answers from a whirlwind.

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. Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy? “Or who shut in the sea with doors when it burst out from the womb, when I made clouds its garment and thick darkness its swaddling band, and prescribed limits for it and set bars and doors, and said, ‘Thus far shall you come, and no farther, and here shall your proud waves be stayed’? 

Job 38:1-11

God’s monologue continues for several chapters. It is not one I would want to have to answer to. This was not some happy little dancing whirlwind.

How often have you and I questioned God’s goodness and wisdom, either explicitly or by our actions?

It is sheer arrogance for the creation to question the creator, yet it is the way of fallen humanity. When we think we know better than God, we set ourselves up as gods or try to shape God into our image. My friends, that should not be so.

We see a strong warning against this form of pride in Isaiah.

“Woe to him who strives with him who formed him, a pot among earthen pots! Does the clay say to him who forms it, ‘What are you making?’ or ‘Your work has no handles’?” Isaiah 45:9

As believers, our sin is forgiven, but the Lord will chasten those who belong to Him. While chastening is for our good, it is never pleasant in the process.

For non-believers, if they continue in their unbelief, they will reap a full harvest of the wrath of God. Pray for your unbelieving friends that they would turn in time to avoid the whirlwind.

Our Lord is holy and perfect. Praise Him.

Hallelu Yah (Praise God)

Be blessed. 

Kevin.

Gleanings From The Word.

Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life. 

Soli Deo Gloria (for the glory of God alone.)

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All contents are © 2001, 2022 K. F. “Kevin” Corbin and Gleanings From The Word.

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the English Standard Version (ESV). Spelling modified to Canadian English as required. 

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