Have you ever stood in awe of the power and majesty of nature, feeling small in the face of its grandeur?
In Job 37, Elihu’s reflection on God’s sovereignty amidst the tempest offers profound insights into the importance of reverence and humility in the midst of life’s storms.
Reconnect: Before delving into Job 37, it’s essential to recall the ongoing dialogue between Job and his friends, where questions of suffering, righteousness, and divine justice have taken center stage. Job continues to declare his innocence before God while his friends continue to suggest that it must be Job’s sin that has led to his suffering.
(Summarized and continued after scripture)
Elihu Says God Is Back of the Storm
1“At this also my heart trembles,
And leaps from its place.
2“Listen closely to the thunder of His voice,
And the rumbling that goes out from His mouth.
3“Under the whole heaven He lets it loose,
And His lightning to the ends of the earth.
4“After it, a voice roars;
He thunders with His majestic voice,
And He does not restrain the lightnings when His voice is heard.
5“God thunders with His voice wondrously,
Doing great things which we cannot comprehend.
6“For to the snow He says, ‘Fall on the earth,’
And to the downpour and the rain, ‘Be strong.’
7“He seals the hand of every man,
That all men may know His work.
8“Then the beast goes into its lair
And remains in its den.
9“Out of the south comes the storm,
And out of the north the cold.
10“From the breath of God ice is made,
And the expanse of the waters is frozen.
11“Also with moisture He loads the thick cloud;
He disperses the cloud of His lightning.
12“It changes direction, turning around by His guidance,
That it may do whatever He commands it
On the face of the inhabited earth.
13“Whether for correction, or for His world,
Or for lovingkindness, He causes it to happen.
14“Listen to this, O Job,
Stand and consider the wonders of God.
15“Do you know how God establishes them,
And makes the lightning of His cloud to shine?
16“Do you know about the layers of the thick clouds,
The wonders of one perfect in knowledge,
17You whose garments are hot,
When the land is still because of the south wind?
18“Can you, with Him, spread out the skies,
Strong as a molten mirror?
19“Teach us what we shall say to Him;
We cannot arrange our case because of darkness.
20“Shall it be told Him that I would speak?
Or should a man say that he would be swallowed up?
21“Now men do not see the light which is bright in the skies;
But the wind has passed and cleared them.
22“Out of the north comes golden splendor;
Around God is awesome majesty.
23“The Almighty—we cannot find Him;
He is exalted in power
And He will not do violence to justice and abundant righteousness.
24“Therefore men fear Him;
He does not regard any who are wise of heart.”
Summary Key Points:
1. God’s Sovereign Power: Elihu begins his discourse by drawing attention to the awe-inspiring manifestations of God’s power in nature, such as thunderstorms and snowstorms. He highlights God’s sovereignty over the elements, emphasizing His unmatched authority and wisdom.
2. Humility Before the Creator: In the face of such divine majesty, Elihu underscores the importance of humility and reverence. He reminds Job and his friends of humanity’s limited understanding compared to God’s infinite wisdom, urging them to approach Him with reverence and awe.
3. Finding Peace in Surrender: Amidst life’s storms and uncertainties, Elihu’s words invite reflection on the peace that comes from surrendering to God’s will. By acknowledging His sovereignty and trusting in His wisdom, we can find solace and security even in the midst of life’s most tumultuous moments.
Call to Action:
- Cultivating Reverence: Let us cultivate a spirit of reverence and humility in our daily lives, recognizing God’s sovereignty over all creation. Whether facing personal challenges or witnessing the power of nature, may we bow before the Creator with awe and gratitude.
Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, amidst the storms of life, we stand in awe of Your sovereign power and wisdom. Teach us to approach You with humility and reverence, finding peace in surrendering to Your will. May Your presence bring comfort and strength as we navigate life’s uncertainties. Amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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