“…God is greater than man.” Job 33:12b
/So, Elihu came right out, telling Job his statements were made in error (v.12a), explaining with another commonly understood truth: God is greater than man. Elihu then addressed Job’s complaint of God’s silence to his own complaints (13:24; 19:7; 30:20). Elihu conveyed that God does, indeed, answer Job’s complaints.
All Job needed to do was listen to the different ways God may have spoken; because, often, man may not perceive God’s voice (v.14). He then provided three examples of how God speaks to man:
A dream or vision in one’s sleep (v.15);
A moment of revelation, when one discerns the voice of God speaking within (v.16); and
Through chastening upon a bed of suffering (v.19).
Elihu explained how God speaks to warn of impending danger (v.16b), to turn one from wrongdoing (v.17a), and to keep one from the sin of pride (v.17b). Unfortunately, Elihu, was falling into the same trap as the three visitors: his explanations were becoming accusations against Job. I’m sure it became painfully
obvious when Elihu spoke of God’s chastening through suffering (vv. 19 – 22) – a vivid description of Job’s physical decline and degradation.
Just as God breathed truth in the words of Job and the visitors, God breathed truth into Elihu’s words as well; words which may benefit the Believer today. It is never irrelevant to remind ourselves and each other that God is greater than man. Our ways are not His ways. He is not limited by time, space or matter. The beginning and the end of our lives are both seen by Him simultaneously. He is writing a story of His grace and power in the lives of each of us who come to Him by faith.
We can always depend on Him knowing His ways are far greater than our own. We can trust Him, even through death, to know His heart, though broken for us, is strong on our behalf; working to make all things turn out for His good in our lives.
Have a blessed day…