Jan 13, Job 35-37
Chapter 35. Elihu is not finished yet with Job. Like Job’s other ‘friends’, Elihu takes some liberty in assuming that he does actually know what is going on. Reality is, only God & Satan knew at the time what was going on - Job nor his friends knew why all this was happening to Job. It seems as though young Elihu is now sounding like the other ‘friends’ and becoming insensitive and arrogant in his advice. Elihu thinks quite highly of himself. God has a way of humbling those who ‘think that they are all things to all people.’ Last time I checked, that was Jesus Christ, not Elihu or the ‘friends’ of Job.
Chapter 36 is where Elihu reveals his lack of humility and arrogance…In referring to himself in vs 4, ”one who is perfect in knowledge is with you.” Ok, that sums it up for me. If I had any reservations about Elihu up to this point, as far as his innocence and humility, it is all out the window now. As a warning, if you ever think that you are perfect in knowledge, just know that you are believing a lie. I heard a story about JI Packer (modern day theologian). He was speaking at an engagement and he said something to the tune of, I am 80 years old and I am finally starting to understand the Bible. To me, that is humility and somebody that I would take advice from. Back to Elihu.. It is ironic though, because he does get some of his advice right (just like the other ‘friends’ did). Then, just when you think Elihu is getting it right, he talks again, and then he displays his ignorance and arrogance. And once again, bends to the idea of prosperity theology, or the practice of believing those that are loved by God, are prosperous. Let’s strive to not be like Elihu.
Chapter 37. Elihu elaborates on the power and wonder of God. In vs 16, Elihu now refers to God as perfect in knowledge, whereas Elihu was that 1 chapter before… Which one is perfect in knowledge? God or Elihu? Umm. God. Back to Elihu. As a young man, it seems as though Elihu is working through his theology (study of God) and his heart. We should offer grace to people that are ignorant and arrogant - but that doesn't mean that we need to receive their council or opinion. Elihu is right about God’s majesty and power but is still wrong on implying that Job is being punished by God for his bad life.
To sum it all up:
- God will not be mocked. Elihu is young and it shows in his ignorance and arrogance. His advice resembles that of the other ‘friends’ -that Elihu is right, and that Job is wrong. This is another great reminder that we only see in part. So, next time you want to go all ‘prophet’ on somebody and tell them why they are suffering, remember that you only see in part and most likely don’t know the whole story… So be a friend to others in love.
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