Have you ever questioned the fairness of life’s circumstances, wondering why the righteous sometimes suffer while the wicked seem to prosper?
In Job 35, Elihu offers insights into the nature of divine justice, challenging conventional wisdom and prompting us to rethink our understanding of God’s ways.
Reconnect: As we delve into Job 35, we are reminded of the ongoing dialogue between Job and his friends, each grappling with the profound mysteries of human suffering and divine justice. Elihu’s perspective adds a new dimension to the conversation, urging us to consider the complexities of God’s sovereignty and the limitations of human understanding.
(Summarized and continued after scripture)
Elihu Sharply Reproves Job
1Then Elihu continued and said,
2“Do you think this is according to justice?
Do you say, ‘My righteousness is more than God’s’?
3“For you say, ‘What advantage will it be to You?
What profit will I have, more than if I had sinned?’
4“I will answer you,
And your friends with you.
5“Look at the heavens and see;
And behold the clouds—they are higher than you.
6“If you have sinned, what do you accomplish against Him?
And if your transgressions are many, what do you do to Him?
7“If you are righteous, what do you give to Him,
Or what does He receive from your hand?
8“Your wickedness is for a man like yourself,
And your righteousness is for a son of man.
9“Because of the multitude of oppressions they cry out;
They cry for help because of the arm of the mighty.
10“But no one says, ‘Where is God my Maker,
Who gives songs in the night,
11Who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth
And makes us wiser than the birds of the heavens?’
12“There they cry out, but He does not answer
Because of the pride of evil men.
13“Surely God will not listen to an empty cry,
Nor will the Almighty regard it.
14“How much less when you say you do not behold Him,
The case is before Him, and you must wait for Him!
15“And now, because He has not visited in His anger,
Nor has He acknowledged transgression well,
16So Job opens his mouth emptily;
He multiplies words without knowledge.”
Summary Key Points:
- Elihu’s Assertion of Divine Justice: Elihu begins by asserting the righteousness of God’s judgments, challenging Job’s assertion that his suffering is unjust. He emphasizes that God’s justice transcends human comprehension and operates on a higher plane of wisdom and righteousness.
- The Limitations of Human Righteousness: Elihu highlights the fallacy of attributing one’s righteousness to God’s benefit, arguing that human goodness does not elevate or diminish God’s glory. He underscores the importance of humility before the Almighty, recognizing our inherent limitations and dependence on His grace.
- The Call to Await God’s Response: Elihu admonishes Job for presuming to dictate the terms of God’s justice, urging him to await divine vindication rather than questioning God’s integrity. He emphasizes the importance of trusting in God’s wisdom and timing, even in the face of uncertainty and suffering.
Call to Action:
As we reflect on the insights of Job 35, let us respond with:
- Humility Before God: Let us cultivate a spirit of humility and reverence in our relationship with God, acknowledging His sovereignty and wisdom. May we surrender our doubts and questions to Him, trusting in His righteous judgments.
- Patience in Waiting: In moments of trial and uncertainty, let us patiently await God’s response, knowing that His timing is perfect and His purposes are just. May we resist the temptation to demand answers and instead rest in the assurance of His faithfulness.
- Seeking Understanding: Let us earnestly seek to deepen our understanding of God’s ways, studying His Word and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit. May we approach the complexities of divine justice with an open heart and mind, trusting in God’s goodness and wisdom.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, grant us the humility to submit to Your sovereign rule and the patience to await Your righteous judgments. Help us to trust in Your wisdom and goodness, even when we cannot fully comprehend Your ways. Lead us in paths of righteousness, and grant us the grace to surrender our doubts and questions to You. Amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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