“…that Job might be tested…” Job 34:36a

Since Elihu had taken command of center-stage, he asserted men of understanding and wisdom listened to him and agreed that Job had spoken without knowledge, lacking insight into his life’s recent experiences (vv. 34 – 35). As we approach the final chapters of the story, we will discover whether or not God confirmed
their assertion. However, at this point in the storyline, Elihu’s position was all about being right (similar to Job’s!). Elihu, too, was guilty… of lacking the necessary sympathetic skills to respond to Job’s felt needs.

Sympathy was so far from Elihu that he even cursed Job! He pronounced that Job might be tested TO THE UTMOST (caps mine) for speaking wickedly (v.36). As seen just yesterday, Elihu had slipped into the mire of accusation which he echoed when he stated:

“To his sin he adds rebellion; scornfully he claps his hands among us and multiplies his words against God.” (v.37)

Does God really need someone to come to His defense? One may speak for God’s Kingdom in sharing the virtues of God, or of the mercies of God, or of His redemption and grace; but to be compelled to defend God’s character and methods are really not necessary… but we still do it today. I’ve done it. Many of you may have felt compelled to do so as well. What is the usual end result of it? Well, I don’t know about you, but with me it usually ends badly: severed relationships; saying things one may later regret; standing firm upon the sinking sands of bruised egos and broken hearts.

There are scenarios where I can see learned theologians who are prepared to defend the Christian faith and message within a debate, or serendipitous moments when one may be asked to give an account of their faith. Those are different. I’m speaking of one feeling compelled to defend God’s name, etc., within an emotionally charged setting. There are underlying reasons for emotional displays and one should be prepared to respond appropriately to them.

Could any of us be so overwrought with zealous indignation that we would hurl such a vocal curse upon another? I’ve heard them before… and I may have even spoken one from my mouth, though not in the way Elihu spoke it. I remember warning someone I dearly loved that God may have to use drastic measures to get his attention. It could be said I had joined the league of accusers with such language. We can’t take back what we’ve said, though we can learn from the experience and gain wisdom from our mistakes.

God’s purpose for calling satan’s attention to Job may very well have been that Job might be tested. God could use satan’s methods as a testing ground for the measure of his faith. And He can do the same with those hardships in our lives. Will we trust Him through it? Elihu was probably on to something when he spoke
those words, though he surely was clueless to God’s high estimation of Job.

Perhaps, one of the strongest lessons we gain from this passage is to consider how God may highly esteem the faith of someone we may see in the throes of adversity.

Have a blessed day…