by Pastor Afolabi Oladele

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse. Romans 1:20

Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave, and his life to the destroyers. If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness. Job 33:22-23

We see His created works and hardly notice the secret things about our God locked in them. The Lord chose to reveal deep things in what I have come to title ‘Conversations with Job’ – detailed in the book of Job chapters 33 to 41. To stimulate your appetite to learn from the things spoken we take a look at Job 38:22, speaking to the treasures of snow and the treasures of hail. The use of the word treasure raised my interest knowing that treasures are defined as hidden precious metals, gems or other valuable objects.

Having been privileged to live in the cold regions, be on some of the most fabulous ski mountains, I wondered what else could there be beyond this. Indeed there is a lot, and I will take two of such. The first is a regular occurrence, witnessed on sunny wintry days.

The ice (the crystals that make snow when compressed) makes branches of trees sparkle in sunlight, but also weighs them down, causing them to break under their burden. The same can happen to those with glittering lives. They call attention to themselves with shining beauty, talent and intelligence. People notice and admire them. Eventually the weight of pride causes them to crack and break bringing forth the reality and lessons
 
. of the fall of Satan - Exekiel 28:12b, 17; and 
. that only God is worthy of all praise.

Julie Link said ‘true worth is in exalting God and not ourselves.’

Brother D Dehaan prayed ‘Lord, pride – that fearful enemy – so quickly takes control; I plead this day Father Your pardoning grace to cleanse my heart and my soul.’

The snow teaches profound lessons of humility (James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:6). You think you have it made – be mindful of the admonition in 1 Corinthians 10:12 – and men sing your praise! For such a time as this when men vaunt their achievements, let us be reminded of our God of whom it is written, Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth! (Psalms 113:6), and what matters to Him – Jeremiah 9:23-24.

This is a call to be more like Him, to delight in the things He delights in, the exercise of loving-kindness, judgment and righteousness – 1 Corinthians  1:31; 2 Corinthians 10:17-18. Selah.