‘Tis the season. No, I’m not talking about Christmas; I’m talking about winter and snow. We have had a few days with flurries and even some blowing snow, but no accumulation. Snow is similar to many things we encounter in life: we either like it, or we don’t. We can admire its beauty, or we can growl because we don’t like to drive in it. We can marvel at its quieting effect, or we can grouch because we had to cancel our big event because of it. However, kids in school will never grouch if they have a “snow day!”
With all of our scientific knowledge and meteorological expertise, it’s easy to forget that God is the One behind the snow. We watch maps with cold fronts, jet streams, low pressure areas and warm air masses and think it all just happens by natural forces. It’s just the weather. Elihu, one of Job’s visitors, would dispute such a position (see our text). Elihu speaks of some of the majesty, wonder and power of God as seen in thunderstorms and cold, snowy weather. In highly picturesque language, he describes the thundering of the voice of the Lord and the ice forming by His breath. He commands the snow to “Fall on the earth,” and for the clouds laden with moisture to move about the sky. God is clearly in charge of the elements.
Elihu also speaks of God’s purposes in unleashing the rain and snow: “Whether for correction, or for His world, or for lovingkindness, He causes it to happen” (v 13). The word correction here literally means “the rod.” It would seem that God uses storms to either bless or discipline and correct those affected by them. In Job 38:22-23, we read of storehouses of snow and hail reserved for the “day of war and battle.”
“For the world” (NKJV & ESV: land) would indicate that rain and snow are necessary for the good of the ground, water for vegetation and animal life. Lovingkindness would show God’s faithfulness to His people in blessing them with needed water for drinking, crops, etc.
Let’s remember that “The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains” (Psalm 24:1). He uses all things to accomplish His will.
><> Jeff