Read Job 33:1-33
Interesting how Eliju took a whole chapter just to prepare us for his speech, and here we discover what the “youngster” has to say about things. A different generation may not look at Job the same as a peer. Who are Job’s peers? He had grown children living separate lives. I have grown children with lives apart from me (that’s the hardest part of missionary life)! Job would be my peer, or at least in the same “season” of life as me. I can’t imagine losing everything like he did. Does a younger person even begin to imagine such loss?
What do you think of Eliju now? Has your opinion changed? Or is Eliju just a little too “cocky” or sure of himself. Eliju is someone that God loved and used for a purpose. We don’t have to like guy to respect him.
Eliju is God-fearing, or at least he says all the “right” things to signify his allegiance and awe of God. Actually, Eliju’s description of God’s majesty is quite impressive. If you ever need a way to pray to God’s glory and grace, what great lines of truth.
We do have angels fighting our battles, helping us every step of the way. That’s quite reassuring when you think of it. It’s nice to know we can just turn our struggles over to our God, laying them at the feet of Jesus.
Would you say Eliju is a bit of a prophet, too? Here he says, “God rescued me from the grave, and now my life is filled with light.” Eliju didn’t know his prophetic words described the salvation through Jesus’ victory over the grave. Our promise is in the Light of the World, Jesus himself. Our lives, like Eliju’s, are filled with God’s light. Eliju would have been a follower of Jesus if he’d known of him.
Like a debate, Eliju closes this rant with an invitation to Job to respond if he wants. That was a very kind thing to do. If Job is silent, it sounds like Eliju will make a certain judgment. Eliju also seems to sincerely want a resolution for Job. That’s a sign of respecting his elders.
Our age doesn’t matter to Jesus. He can use us all up until the day of our last breath. In some way, we may never know how. It’s a good thing to talk about with God. Ask him how you can make a difference in the lives of those around you.
Let’s pray. Father God, I know we are never too old or too young to be used by you. I am thrilled to be your child, so eager to know you more. May I be brave, and may my faith be transparent for the world to see. Show me, Lord, those places you want me to serve you. Use me to help others in whatever way is best. Thank you for each opportunity you will open to me. In your holy name, Amen.
