Read Job 35:1-16
Elihu does not hold back from lashing out at Job for the errors in Job’s words and reasoning. I tend to give Job a little more credit that Elihu does, simply because he’s the one who has been devastated. That he has any faith at all is surprising.
What did you think of how Elihu speaks of our behavior? “If you are good, is this some great gift to him? What could you possibly give him?” In Elihu’s estimation, our goodness is irrelevant to God. I would take a different stance and say that our goodness blesses God. It’s not that he “needs” it, but God desires a relationship with his creation. With us.
Elihu’s words seem to show a lack of confidence in himself and in God. There may be times we don’t feel worthy of God’s love and grace. But most of the time we can simply feel grateful. God has chosen us, and that should give us all the confidence in the world. Yet we must remain humble, too, so there’s a balance. Giving our all in the glory of God seems to be the least we could do.
I wonder what Elihu means when he says, “You say you can’t see him, but he will bring justice if you will only wait.” If he’s directing those words at Job directly, you’d think that Elihu believes Job will be restored so long as he remains patient and devoted. Job has certainly been complaining about not hearing from God. Do you think Job and God had had many conversations before calamity struck?
Elihu’s words are sprinkled with truths that have become part of our faith traditions. We can resonate a bit with some of what Elihu is sharing. It’s interesting to think that some of our same beliefs have been handed down for many, many generations.
Was there a favorite take-away or a-ha moment for you in today’s passage? For me, it was this question. “If you sin, how does that affect God?” Elihu seemed to be in the camp of God not being affected by our actions on earth. I always imagine that our sinfulness breaks God’s heart. It often breaks my heart to see people sinning against God.
I hope I live my faith out loud enough so there is no question I’m a follower of Christ. I’m still a work in progress trying to be more like Jesus every day. I don’t come close, but closer than before I knew what displeases God.
Elihu brings up some interesting points. Any time we question God’s intentions, we need to ask him. And then wait patiently for God to respond with an answer to our prayer. Be ready to receive the answer, even if it’s different than you hope for or expect.
Let’s pray. Lord, I thank you that you are always present with me. I do believe you are saddened when any of your children fall away from you and into their sinful nature. Forgive me for those times when I struggle and stumble. Help me resist the temptations around me and avoid attacks of evil. I get on my knees and ask for your help. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
