The Sons of God Shouted for Joy

Job 38:4-7 "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you
have understanding. Who determined its measurements--surely you know! Or who
stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, when
the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

Being “called on the carpet”, “standing tall before the man”, “taken to task,” all describe
a similar situation. The time for being held accountable has arrived and the news is being
delivered in a very stern manner. Been there, done that, and I have a closet full of those t-shirts.
These experiences hurt, but they build character.
In researching the scriptural references to “morning stars” I found (or more likely was
pointed to) the Job 38:4-7 reference. The context of the passage is God, instead of
answering a question from Job, decides to humble Job. The whole point of this humbling
session is if Job did not understand the workings of creation, how could Job possibly
understand God’s mind and character? And we, as Job before us, beginning from a point
of ignorance would surely become lost. God uses this opportunity to educate Job, for God
loved Job as He loves all of us. God wanted Job to succeed, just as He wants you and I to
succeed. His love for each and every one of us is profound.

God uses the creation of the earth to help illustrate how vast is Job’s, and by extension
our own, lack of direct knowledge through direct observation of the creation of the earth.
We have many theories, but only God was there to speak creation into being. And what a
joyous event that truly was. Forming the earth was the beginning of creating the highest
point of creation – man. Man needed a place to dwell, and that was the earth. The stars
sang and all the sons of God shouted for joy because this was the whole purpose of
creation. Giving man life was the focus of all this effort. The best was saved for last.
And one could also argue the worst was saved for last. For the first thing that the first
man created (Adam) did was to disobey God. Sin began with the first man. And the death
from sin died with the death and resurrection of the true morning star, Jesus Christ. The
Son of God died to end what Adam started. We too shout for joy in the season of Advent
for we are looking forward in celebration to the birth of the Christ Child. Jesus is born
again in each of our hearts every year at Christmas. Let’s take this opportunity to join the
sons of God in singing with praises to God during Advent. And remember, if you can’t
sing well, at least sing loud!

PRAYER: Almighty God, creator of the universe. We sing praise, honor and glory to
You O Lord. You spoke creation into being. You formed man from the dust of the earth
and breathed life into his nostrils. We ask dear Lord that You would continue to breath
life into us through Your Word, and Your Sacraments. Help to stay focused on You. This
we ask in the name of the Morning Star, Your Son and our Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.