The Pause that Refreshes

(Proverbs 30:4 KJV)  Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?

This brings to mind many different images.  Here Proverbs is looking both backward and forward.  This is a reference to creation, and a prophecy of Jesus that should have presented the Jews of the day with a real mystery.

My first reaction is an echo of Job.  In His discussion with Job, God points out what He has done.  We are given all these anthropomorphic images.  And in Chapter 38 God begins a discussion of His creative action

(Job 38:4 KJV)  Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.

Then we have reference to Jesus.  This would only be understood through the eyes of the New Testament.  We picture Jesus telling the wind to be still and walking on the waters.  We have reference to Jesus not only creating but holding all things together.  He “established” (6965) the world.  We see that from our perspective.

But how would a Jew of Old Testament times take the last part of this verse.  What is this “name” (8034) business and given in regard to a “son” (1121)?  You want clear testimony in the Old Testament to the place of Jesus, here it is.

So maybe it would help today to pause and consider the glory of the world around you.  We have had two days of what I call “motorcycle weather.”  It has been glorious.   The forecast for tonight is rain.  I can enjoy that too.  There are times when we should just stop, shove everything else aside, and rejoice in the God of Creation.  And of course the Son, whose name is Jesus.