Levels of Knowing God

Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’

Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,

things too wonderful for me that I did not know.

4 ‘Hear, and I will speak;

I will question you, and you declare to me.’

5 I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear,

but now my eye sees you;

6 therefore I despise myself

and repent in dust and ashes.” ( Job 42:3-6 NRSV)

Job introduces his response with God’s initial question. God’s question was “Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?”   Job’s response to God’s question is not so much an answer as it is a submission. Job realizes he was not aware of Who he was questioning!! 

When God reveals Himself, our questions seem so petty & impertinent.  Why?

It may not be so much a question of our pride demanding an explanation as it is our lack of knowledge of the goodness and dynamic, life fulfilling presence of God. 

How can I say that?

Verse 5 explains it. 

Job had heard of God through reading the Bible, going to church, serving in the church, giving God the glory at home. 

But he had not “seen” God meaning he had not experienced the life transforming, inner reality of God which suffering can bring.

But after his suffering and testing, he did not just know about God, he knew God. 

A recent book written by a theologian & sociologist explains this in a different way.  The book is entitled “The Critical Journey: Stages in the Life of Faith...”  It describes how people progress in their spiritual walk through six stages.

Stage 1 - Powerlessness - The Recognition of God

Stage 2 - Power by Association - The Life of Discipleship

Stage 3 - Power by Achievement - The Productive Life of Ministry

Stage 4 - Power by Reflection - The Journey Inward

The Wall- The Place of Inner Choices

Stage 5 - Power by Purpose - The Journey Outward

Stage 6 - Power by Wisdom - The Life Of Love

Can you not see the spiritual progress of Job throughout his book? 

Initially he was doing the “Christian” of realizing his powerlessness without God (stage 1),

then learning about God from his traditions and religion (stage 2),

providing for the needs of those less fortunate (stages 3)

and then he hit suffering (‘the wall’). 

The whole book of Job is his inward reflections on the purpose and meaning in his life (stage 4).

But with his eyes fixed on the truth of God, he comes out of this “wall” experience with a renewed encounter of God.

He continued the “Christian” things once again but this time from an inner transformation (stages 5-6).

This exciting spiritual journey always has new horizons for us until the end of our days....  we are like Job. 

We now see God through a darkened glass but as we progress in our walk with Him, He transforms us to our most inner depths… through life’s struggles, trials, suffering, circumstances…

.. until we meet face to face... 

What a ride!!