February 2 is Groundhog Day. I want to ask what may seem like a silly question, but why do we listen to a groundhog? Why do we care whether a groundhog from a long line of groundhogs, apparently all named Phil (???), sees his shadow when emerging from his hole on February 2 in Gobbler’s Knob, Pennsylvania? I mean, according to at least one source, his accuracy rate over the last 135 years is only 39% – and he’s apparently getting worse! (Source: www. Foxweather.com/learn/how-accurate-is-punxsutawney-phil-really).
But God is always accurate – always in charge – always sovereign. On Sunday nights, we are about to finish our study of the Book of Job, and we are coming to Job 38-41 where God speaks. God uses multiple kinds of imagery to stress to Job His sovereign control over the universe, but I ask you just to think about these verses for a while:
“Have you entered the treasury of snow,
Or have you seen the treasury of hail,
Which I have reserved for the time of trouble,
For the day of battle and war?“
“Who has divided a channel for the overflowing water,
Or a path for the thunderbolt,
To cause it to rain on a land where there is no one,
A wilderness in which there is no man;
To satisfy the desolate waste,
And cause to spring forth the growth of tender grass?
Has the rain a father?
Or who has begotten the drops of dew?
From whose womb comes the ice?
And the frost of heaven, who gives it birth?
The waters harden like stone,
And the surface of the deep is frozen.“
“Can you lift up your voice to the clouds,
That an abundance of water may cover you?
Can you send out lightnings, that they may go,
And say to you, ‘Here we are!’?“
Job 38:22-23; 25-30; 34-35
Who made the groundhog? God did. What can we truly learn from that animal? Not the accurate weather, but we can learn that our Creator God loves us and is in control of all things. We learn that God causes all things to work together for the good of those who love the Lord. Romans 8:28.
And here’s the point – we pray that each person will be filled with the knowledge of God’s Will and spiritual understanding and increase in the knowledge of God Himself. This brings knowledge, assurance and security in the love of Christ. It strengthens us to deal with life’s storms. God gave us His Word – through Jesus Christ – and wants to reveal Jesus to each and every person. If you do not yet know Him, join us at Maple Grove this year as we lift up Jesus Christ in worship and praise, recognizing that He has all power and authority – yes, even over the weather – but over our lives. He wants the best for you – are you willing to find out what that is?
We look forward to seeing you at Maple Grove.
Bro. Parks