The Voice out of the Whirlwind

Rev. Roberta Howey stepped in for Rev. Stephen today.

Recent hurricanes and tornadoes remind us of the destructive power of nature, much like the whirlwind in the Book of Job that killed Job's children. When God finally speaks to Job through a whirlwind, God does not offer comforting answers but instead highlights the complexity and majesty of creation, reminding Job that the universe is not centered on humans alone.

God points out the harmony in nature—like dawn breaking to end the darkness where evil thrives—and the care given to all creatures, even those terrifying to humans. This challenges Job's narrow, self-focused suffering and invites him to see the broader, awe-inspiring scope of God's creation.

The sermon ties this ancient lesson to modern issues like climate change. Our actions, driven by arrogance and a belief in human dominance, have upset the balance of nature, leading to disasters. However, like Job, humanity needs humility and a change in perspective to respect the complexity of creation and find a way forward.

The ultimate message is to embrace awe and humility before nature and God, moving beyond self-centered views to a greater understanding of our place in the world. This shift in perspective can transform both personal suffering and collective challenges.