Elihu – Be Still…

Job 37:14-24 – Reverence

Read Job 37:14-24

Now Elihu gets personal with Job. I was a little surprised by his tone. It’s like Elihu is corning Job with those questions asking about how God does what he does. None of us has a clue about “how” God does anything. The fact that God is crazy about us and loves us should boggle any mind. Our own feeble minds can’t begin to fathom the supremeness of God.

Were those unfair questions to Job? They seemed a little odd and out of the blue. I’m not sure where Elihu is taking his rant anymore. It seems like his focus on God’s power has now shifted. It’s as if Elihu thinks Job has some special knowledge or “in” with God. Continue reading “Job 37:14-24 – Reverence”

Job 36:22-37:13 – God’s Power

Read Job 36:22-37:13

Focusing on God’s powers and his attributes is something I never get tired of. Elihu gives us real world applications for witnessing God’s power. With all the crazy things happening around us, focusing on the supremacy of God can help us stay positive, help us stay hopeful. When we meet others who feel the same about God’s majesty, it’s a delight. But Elihu’s focus on this power takes a frightening turn.

Elihu uses word pictures of storms, thunderbolts and lightning. Certainly God’s power is evident in nature in all the ways Elihu describes. When we think of the power of nature, we can’t help but look at the beauty, too. For instance, as trees bloom every spring and change their leaf color to brilliant hues in the fall; it’s all in God’s timing. Continue reading “Job 36:22-37:13 – God’s Power”

Job 35:1-16 – God’s Justice

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. Continue reading “Job 35:1-16 – God’s Justice”

Job 34:1-37 – Rebuked Again

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.” Continue reading “Job 34:1-37 – Rebuked Again”

Job 32:1-22 – It’s Elihu’s Turn

Read Job 32:1-22

Out of nowhere, a new “friend” makes some noise after respectfully waiting his turn. Elihu now begins his rant about Job’s known dilemma. Did you find it helpful? Do you think Job did? Perhaps Job was so surprised by Elihu’s words that he needed time to process what was just said.

Elihu seemed a bit arrogant at first, but then I appreciated his restraint and respect. So many young people these days would have blurted out what they were feeling with little regard for their elders. (Disclaimer: Not all youth are included in this generalization!) Continue reading “Job 32:1-22 – It’s Elihu’s Turn”