Today's Reading:

Job 33
Job 34
Job 35
Job 36

 
In the closing verses of Job chapter 36, Elihu gave us a profound moment of grace and awe, showing the majesty of God's work in nature. He described how The Almighty commanded the rain clouds, thunder and lightning- not just the forces of nature, but as a way to give His sovereign purpose. The storms roar in judgment on the wicked, and the same heavens gave refreshing rains that water the earth allowing the crops to yield abundant food. This revealed a God who was both just and merciful, giving both hardship and blessings in order for His plans to come to light. Elihu offered Job (and all who suffer) a quiet invitation to humility: rather than demanding answers or accusing God of injustice, one could find grace in trusting the One whose voice thunders in the storm and provides life through the rain, assuring that even in affliction, divine purpose and justice would prevail. In the midst of our own hardships and trials, are we quick to question God’s justice like Job, or can we pause to see His gracious purpose- recognizing that the same hand that allows the storm also sends the rain- trust His wisdom.

Elihu, the friend who had been sitting quietly in the background, now gave his 1st speech directly to Job. He claimed to have a better understanding of God- and that God gave him the words to speak- saying his words were better than the other friend's arguments. His very existence and ability to speak came only from the breath of the Almighty that gave Elihu life (reminiscent of God breathing life into Adam). Elihu then made the accusation in chapter 33:9 that Job said he was pure, had done no wrong and was free from sin- but Job had not actually claimed this, in fact, he did give sacrifices. What Job did claim was that whatever sin had brought about this judgement; Job did not commit. Elihu declared that repentance was a gracious response from God through an act of love on His part, because He talks to people repeatedly via visions, dreams, mediators, and angels, but many people do not take it in.

Elihu continued with his 2nd speech to all the friends and Job, not yet giving Job a chance to respond. He chastised Job’s attitude towards God. Elihu was still condemning Job saying that God allowed people to struggle in order to change hearts. Do not say God had done wrong, He does not do evil, it is not possible for the One who grants life and breath. God brings about wrath and judgment in order for those to turn back and have eternal life. He is absolutely just in His judgement doing no wrong, showing no partiality. Elihu said Job was like a wicked person for speaking without knowledge, and he should have all these trials until he learned to repent.

In chapter 35, Elihu continued, he questioned Job on if he really believed he was so righteous that he was on par with God? Elihu stated that human sin or righteousness only affected other people, not God. God is above all our actions. A person's righteousness has no advantage to them as benefits in heaven; God was not bound to reward Job with extras due to righteousness. People do not trust the

justice and goodness of God and so He allows us to struggle in life if it will turn hardened hearts away from Him, as He is patient and aware of all situations. Elihu declared Job was all talk without any wisdom to back it in self-defense. Elihu made a big claim in chapter 36:2 that he was speaking on Gods behalf in “perfect knowledge”. This was really a huge claim to make and Elihu went on to say that God despised no one, but used affliction to discipline the righteous and call on them to repent. The obedient would prosper, and the godless would die young “among male prostitutes of the shrines. (The men followed fertility gods like Baal and Asherah and engaged in ritual sexual acts- often homosexually, as part of a Pagan temple worship which was strictly prohibited in Israelite laws- Deuteronomy 23:17-18). Elihu used this imagery to illustrate the tragic end of the rebellious who would die premature death as a divine judgement. It emphasized spiritual and moral degradation. God would woo you from distress to prosperity. But do not long for the night of death (or commit sin) to rebel against Gods sovereign plans. Just as storms bring destruction, they also bring nourishing rain- God is sovereign in His blessings and hardships. His afflictions teach the righteous to repent while the wicked will perish- He is always in control.

Today's Discussion question: 

In the midst of our own hardships and trials, are we quick to question God’s justice and fairness like Job, or can we pause to see His gracious purpose- recognizing that the same hand that allows the storm also sends the rain. Do you trust His wisdom?

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