Have you ever sought wisdom in the midst of adversity, longing for insight into life’s deepest mysteries?
In Job 36, Elihu emerges as a voice of clarity and understanding, offering profound lessons on the nature of divine wisdom and its transformative power in our lives.
Reconnect: In the ongoing discourse between Job and his friends, Elihu’s perspective brings a fresh perspective to the conversation. As we explore Job 36, we are reminded of the profound wisdom embedded within Elihu’s words and the relevance of his insights to our own struggles and questions.
(Summarized and continued after scripture)
Elihu Speaks of God’s Dealings with Men
1Then Elihu continued and said,
2“Wait for me a little, and I will show you
That there is yet more to be said in God’s behalf.
3“I will fetch my knowledge from afar,
And I will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.
4“For truly my words are not false;
One who is perfect in knowledge is with you.
5“Behold, God is mighty but does not despise any;
He is mighty in strength of understanding.
6“He does not keep the wicked alive,
But gives justice to the afflicted.
7“He does not withdraw His eyes from the righteous;
But with kings on the throne
He has seated them forever, and they are exalted.
8“And if they are bound in fetters,
And are caught in the cords of affliction,
9Then He declares to them their work
And their transgressions, that they have magnified themselves.
10“He opens their ear to instruction,
And commands that they return from evil.
11“If they hear and serve Him,
They will end their days in prosperity
And their years in pleasures.
12“But if they do not hear, they shall perish by the sword
And they will die without knowledge.
13“But the godless in heart lay up anger;
They do not cry for help when He binds them.
14“They die in youth,
And their life perishes among the cult prostitutes.
15“He delivers the afflicted in their affliction,
And opens their ear in time of oppression.
16“Then indeed, He enticed you from the mouth of distress,
Instead of it, a broad place with no constraint;
And that which was set on your table was full of fatness.
17“But you were full of judgment on the wicked;
Judgment and justice take hold of you.
18“Beware that wrath does not entice you to scoffing;
And do not let the greatness of the ransom turn you aside.
19“Will your riches keep you from distress,
Or all the forces of your strength?
20“Do not long for the night,
When people vanish in their place.
21“Be careful, do not turn to evil,
For you have preferred this to affliction.
22“Behold, God is exalted in His power;
Who is a teacher like Him?
23“Who has appointed Him His way,
And who has said, ‘You have done wrong’?
24“Remember that you should exalt His work,
Of which men have sung.
25“All men have seen it;
Man beholds from afar.
26“Behold, God is exalted, and we do not know Him;
The number of His years is unsearchable.
27“For He draws up the drops of water,
They distill rain from the mist,
28Which the clouds pour down,
They drip upon man abundantly.
29“Can anyone understand the spreading of the clouds,
The thundering of His pavilion?
30“Behold, He spreads His lightning about Him,
And He covers the depths of the sea.
31“For by these He judges peoples;
He gives food in abundance.
32“He covers His hands with the lightning,
And commands it to strike the mark.
33“Its noise declares His presence;
The cattle also, concerning what is coming up.
Summary Key Points:
- Elihu’s Exaltation of God’s Greatness: Elihu begins by exalting the greatness of God, emphasizing His sovereignty over all creation. He highlights God’s power and wisdom, which transcend human understanding and serve as the foundation of divine justice.
- The Purpose of Affliction: Elihu challenges Job’s perspective on suffering, suggesting that affliction serves as a means of discipline and instruction from God. He encourages Job to embrace adversity as an opportunity for growth and spiritual refinement, rather than questioning God’s intentions.
- The Call to Repentance and Restoration: Elihu urges Job to repent of any wrongdoing and embrace righteousness, assuring him that God is gracious and merciful to those who turn to Him in humility. He emphasizes the importance of genuine repentance as a pathway to restoration and reconciliation with God.
Call to Action:
As we reflect on the insights of Job 36, let us respond with:
- Humility Before God: Let us humbly acknowledge the greatness and wisdom of God, recognizing His sovereignty over all aspects of our lives. May we submit ourselves to His will and trust in His plans, even when faced with adversity and uncertainty.
- Embracing Adversity: Instead of resisting or resenting adversity, let us embrace it as an opportunity for spiritual growth and transformation. May we view challenges as instruments of God’s discipline and instruction, guiding us closer to His purposes for our lives.
- Seeking Repentance and Restoration: In moments of trial and testing, let us turn to God in genuine repentance, seeking His forgiveness and grace. May we open our hearts to His transforming power, allowing Him to restore and renew us according to His perfect will.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, grant us the wisdom to recognize Your sovereignty and goodness in every circumstance. Help us to embrace adversity as an opportunity for spiritual growth and refinement, trusting in Your unfailing love and faithfulness. Lead us in paths of righteousness, and guide us in the way of repentance and restoration. Amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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