The Treasures of the Snow
November 30, 2022 by Gil Killam
Filed under Daily Devotions
By Gillis Killam –
When the first snow fell this year I was not happy that summer and fall were over. However, God has seasons in their order for a purpose. I might question the seasons, but when I looked out the window and saw the beautiful sparkling white snow, I remembered God’s query of Job in Job 38:22, when He questioned Job’s comprehension of the world around him. There were so many things that Job didn’t understand.
God said, “Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow?”(Job 38:22 KJV) Another translation: “Have you entered the storehouses of the snow or seen the storehouses of the hail” (Job 38:22NIV).
God is not referring to the composition of the snow, as complicated and interesting as it might be, He is speaking about the way God uses snow for His purposes along with the hail and lightning. God is saying He has a way of reserving these elements of nature to fulfill His purpose in judging those who oppose His will.
I understand that Napoleon lost his final battle with the Russians partly because of the snow and harsh winter. When God wanted to bring judgment He used snow, rain, hail and lightning to accomplish His purpose.
It is recorded in the Old Testament that God thwarted the enemies of Israel through water, flood, fire and earthquakes. Remember God’s judgment on Egypt in Exodus, where there is a vivid description of God’s use of natural forces to bring judgment on Pharaoh (Psalm 105:23-33).
Today with so many disasters of nature happening around the world, society doesn’t seem to get this concept. Instead, they criticize and blame God for these storms rather than hearing what God might be saying.
“He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’ So that everyone he has made may know his work, he stops all people from their labor” (Job. 37:6-7 NIV).
It is interesting that when God speaks about the completeness of cleansing from sin He says, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18 NIV).
PRAYER: O God my Creator, help me to learn from the snow and the storms, just what you are speaking to me.
Gil Killam was born in New Brunswick, Canada and served as pastor in 4 pastorates in Saskatchewan & Alberta, Canada. Gil is married to his wife Lorna and they have 5 children, 14 Grandchildren and 5 great grand children. He is a graduate of Eston College with a Bachelor of Biblical Studies degree. He also served President of his denomination. Gil enjoys golfing and reading in his spare time.