Read Job 34:1-37
If Job responded to Elihu, as he was invited in our last reading, Job’s words are not recorded here. Rather, Elihu continues to share his observations and accusations. It seems Elihu’s audience is larger than just Job and a handful of friends.
Job may think he’s sinless, but even we know that all people are sinful. Thanks to Adam and Eve, we are all afflicted with sin now. That’s why they got thrown out of Eden. God’s presence could not allow sinfulness. Elihu confirms, “Everyone knows that God doesn’t sin! The Almighty can do no wrong.” Elihu makes quite a generalization there assuming “everyone knows.”
One of Elihu’s statements about God that can really resonate with us is this. “He doesn’t care how great a person may be, and he pays no more attention to the rich than to the poor. He made them all.” Exactly, Elihu! God made us and loves us—every single one of us! Sometimes that’s hard for us to imagine when we think of serial killers, for instance. God may love us, but he hates our sin.
Elihu and his contemporaries knew that, too. It’s only natural to assume that Job’s situation was caused by Job’s sinfulness. What other explanation could there be for all the curses? That was exactly Job’s question in this whole mess.
Some people go out of their way to try and hide their sins. While our neighbors may be clueless about our sins, God is not. Elihu reminds us, “For God watches how people live; he sees everything they do.” That realization can come as a wake-up call, especially if you are aware of how you slip up every day. It’s good practice to confess those sins and be forgiven. Jesus makes that possible for us.
Elihu rebukes Job yet again for his behavior. Job has said things about God because his understanding is limited. Job’s recurring lament has been God’s silence and lack of response. Elihu doesn’t think God should have to “serve” us or respond to our every whim. Elihu does say this about God. “But if he chooses to remain quiet, who can criticize him?” In general, I would say that we should never criticize God for anything.
Do you think that Job has been criticizing God? How about the other friends? Have you ever caught yourself disrespecting God in some way? It’s not just our words. Any time we do something that separates us from God, i.e. sin, we reveal our hearts or our lack of self-control.
Unlike Job, I will never claim to be sinless. I know I’m flawed and need a Savior. Like Job, I want to please God with my life and the choices I make. I don’t do good things to earn the reward. I desire to do good in response to the reward Jesus promised me. Do you think Job and his friends would have understood the difference?
Let’s pray. Father God, I thank you for how you protect me each day. I want to live my life in such a way that people see me and want what I’ve got. I’ve got you, God. You are what sustains me and moves me forward. I look to you for your guidance. May I never take your blessings for granted. Use me today to be your light in this world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
