“…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…

“…tell me what you know.” Job 34:33d

Elihu used a similar tactic as the visitors in seeking a confession of sin by Job. The only difference between Elihu and the visitors was in believing how Job had sinned: the visitors assumed there was some secret sin by Job; Elihu indicted Job for calling God unfair in His Heavenly jurisprudence. The visitors demanded a confession by Job; Elihu was more subtle.

For Job to charge God with unfairness by His silence did not make sense to Elihu (v.29). Elihu pointed out that God was still on His throne – He was still King over all (vv. 29 – 30). Then Elihu offers Job a conjecture:

“Suppose a man says to God, ‘I am guilty but will offend no more. Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I will not do so again.’ Should God then reward you on your terms, when you refuse to repent? You must decide, not I; so tell me what you know.” (vv. 31 – 33)

The mistake Elihu made in presenting his hypothetical scenario is changing from first person to second person in his address, revealing a hidden condemnation of Job. I must admit, it is a clever ruse to illicit a confession – especially his concluding directive for Job to tell what he knew.

Have you ever had someone approach you in cleverly gaining an admission of guilt from you? It’s not a pleasant experience. We have enough to confess to God without being harassed into a confession before man who will spread it to the four winds of the earth.

What should this teach us? When one joins the league of accusers, one is walking away from the perspective of redemption and restoration. Accusers want a guilty verdict so they can watch the punishment of the guilty party. It’s a rather sick sociological practice (I am not speaking of actions within a courtroom, although our society has actually taken it into the courtrooms across our land in our day).

How do we redeem one considered guilty or offensive? We have to drop our ‘cloak and dagger’ mentality and put on the garment of forgiveness and restoration. It is a difficult step to take… granted, it’s much easier to continue in our default mechanisms of judgment and revenge. How does one start the process? Through
prayer… then pour your mind and heart into God’s Word, asking God, as The Potter, to shape your heart softened by The Spirit and The Word. Then… wait for God’s timing in how to be God’s hand of restoration.

It’s really not our business to know the private struggles of others, unless approached by one for support, or approached by an offender who is seeking reconciliation. Once one has begun the walk toward redeeming others, one must continually deny the tendency to turn back to the old ways. It is an intentional daily exercise of the will.

Have a blessed day…

“…He sees their every step.” Job 34:21b

According to Elihu, God shows no partiality by not favoring the rich over the poor (v.19). However, the full counsel of God’s Word reveals God does hear the cries of those who are down and out, kicked-out, thrown out, and even those out of touch with reality. There was something, though, that Elihu had observed: that the mighty are removed without human hand – they die in an instant, unexpectedly (v.20). Armed with this observation, Elihu rode the slippery slope of condemning Job based solely upon that observation: the natural catastrophes.

Again, the visitors nor Elihu knew nothing of the drama that had unfolded in heaven (Ch.’s 1&2). Job was actually being held-out as an outstanding example of abiding faith in God. God allowed satan to test Job, who was left out… standing in the sun, scraping the sores off his skin. To Elihu, seeing was believing, and the truth
of Job’s loss of family and property were the tell-tale sign of judgment from God. Elihu described it this way:

“His eyes are on the ways of men He sees their every step. There is no dark place, no deep shadow, where evildoers can hide. God has no need to examine men further, that they should come before Him for judgment. Without inquiry He shatters the mighty and sets up others in their place. Because He takes note of their deed, He overthrows them in the night and they are crushed. He punishes them for their wickedness where everyone can see them, because they turned from following Him and had no regard for any of His ways.” (vv. 21 – 27)

God breathed truth within Elihu’s condemning rant:

• His eyes are in every place observing the evil and the good (Proverbs 15:3);

• There is no place hidden from God (Psalm 139:7-12);

• God deposes leaders in His own time, and by His own methods (Daniel 2:21; Psalm 75:7; Job 34:24); and

• God’s judgment is sure (Exodus 6:6; Ecclesiastes 12:14; Psalm 50:4).

While it is true God observes all man’s ways, He is the one Who judges between the guilty and the innocent – and man should stay away from the activity unless duly appointed by law to do so; and even then one should use prudence and prayer in the pursuit of justice which will mirror God’s Kingdom.

How is God speaking to us today? Without having any authority to do so, we should refrain from judging others with a condemning attitude. One may decide if someone is a good or bad influence without a spirit of condemnation. How often are we led to evil, the delight of our eyes, the lusts of our flesh? Before yielding to temptation, consider how God sees your every step and is standing beside you pointing the right way to go. Do we feel our leaders are unjust or wicked? Trust God to work things out in His way, in His time.

Have a blessed day…

“What man is like Job…” Job 34:7a

Elihu had suggested the visitor and onlookers join him in forming a consensus of what is good, saying, “Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good.” Then he presented Job’s argument of being innocent, denied justice by God, and enduring “an incurable wound.” (vv. 5 – 6)

Unlike the round-about way the visitors indicted Job, Elihu took a more direct approach, coming right out and accusing Job of drinking scorn like water, and keeping company with evildoers. Does this sound familiar? Have we ever heard about someone else associating with evildoers? (read Matthew 9:11 and Luke 15:2) Yes, Jesus was accused of the same thing! Elihu had slipped into the mire of accusation. He joined the ranks of the visitors who brought their distorted wisdom and accusations into Job’s presence. You see, he, too, was a prisoner of the predominant world view: good things happen to good people; bad things happen to bad people.

Instead of defending Job, as he had led everyone to believe, he defended God’s honor stating, “Far be it from God to do evil, from The Almighty to do wrong. He repays a man for what he has done; He brings upon him what his conduct deserves. It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that The Almighty would pervert justice.” (vv. 10b – 12) In other words, Elihu indicted Job, not for some hidden sin, but for accusing God of acting unjustly, reminding Job of saying it profited a man nothing by trying to please God (v.9).

While God had asked satan, “Have you considered my servant, Job? There is no one on earth like him…” (2:3), Elihu asked, “What man is like Job, who drinks scorn like water?” (v.7) One may think Elihu was preparing his
audience for some accolade about Job. Instead, Elihu joined the pile-on and accused him of hanging out with sinners who thought it did no good to serve The Lord.

While recognizing God’s superlative nature, being wholly unique, unlike no other (vv. 13 – 15), Elihu asked his audience if they were going to join Job in condemning God’s right to raise up and depose whoever He wants (vv. 16 – 20). His debate is one which leads the observer into joining his arguments, challenging their assumptions by positioning his own argument as superior, stating, “If you have understanding, hear this; listen to what I say.” (v.16) It’s a rather condescending remark to make, setting up the hearer to make conclusions before all the evidence had been heard.

What does this brief passage teach us? Are we apt to join a pile-on and bring more pain to one who had already endured unspeakable insult and injury? Have you ever been bullied into thinking something totally contrary to what you knew to be the truth? When Elihu asked, “What man is like Job”, he was speaking to the choir – Job’s neighbors, acquaintances, and business associates – they all knew his good reputation. Hopefully, we will consider such when presented with a similar issue.

Have a blessed day…

“Let us discern for ourselves…” Job 34:4a

Those five words sound good at first blush. Elihu was fired up… he had an audience and for a third time entreated Job, the visitors and any who had come to see the spectacle to listen to the wisdom he would offer (vv. 1 – 2).

Then, Elihu seizes the teachable moment and offered a comparison, saying:

“For the ear tests words as the tongue tastes food. Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good.” (vv. 3 – 4)

Now, had he said, “O, taste and see that the Lord is good” (read Psalm 34:8), directing the listener to the eternal truths of the sacred texts, he may have been introducing some solid basis for offering further wisdom. Instead, Elihu is basically saying, “Let’s see how satisfied we are with these words and, if they meet everyone’s approval, we will agree together on its rightness.”

Elihu’s line of thinking is the same line of thinking that got Adam and Eve in trouble. The newlyweds believed the lie of calling something good when they had already been warned of its danger and wickedness. When mankind decides to begin defining the morality of what is right and good and what is wrong and evil, man
always takes the path of least resistance. The abortion debate is a great example of such thinking: removing the problem solves the problem. If we can’t see the problem any more, then the problem must be solved. In reality, such thinking is compounding the problems of mankind.

By steering away from the sacred texts, Elihu made his biggest mistake. We will see how he tried to cover it up in the days ahead. For today, let it suffice to say we should seek out the guidance of scripture, allowing its precepts to find rest in our hearts and minds – providing the solid rock of truth which sets people free from the bondage of the wicked systems of humanity.

Pray about this short passage and allow God to speak to your heart. Do you really believe you can test the truth of something by how good it makes you feel? That’s like tasting food and allowing your pleasure of taste to decide what an appropriate diet should be. I love fried foods; but if that was all I ate, I would develop co-morbidities of heart and kidney disease brought on by obesity, high cholesterol and high sodium. I love candy; but if that were my soul food source, my body’s chemistry would be compromised and I would be at risk for diabetes, tooth decay and a whole host of other problems. Do you see the point I’m trying to make?

When we taste and see that the Lord is good, God’s Word provides one access to the whole counsel of God’s wisdom. It becomes a balanced perspective of all that is good and right. If we discern anything for ourselves, let us discern how desperately hopeless we are without a Savior; though we cannot even do that without the assistance of God’s Holy Spirit. Pray to Him, asking Him to enlighten your heart and mind to His Word, His will, and His way.

Have a blessed day…

“Pay attention, Job, and listen…” Job 33:31a

Elihu pressed Job further with the words above. He advised Job to remain silent and listen to his words… words that would teach the elderly wisdom (vv. 31&33). We’ve already seen the hurdles Elihu had to overcome to even address his elders – village leaders and those recognized with having wisdom from the ages. For Elihu to assert himself so would have been another significant hurdle he had to overcome.

There was something different in Elihu’s approach: he invited Job to answer any point made about him, for it was Elihu’s intention to clear Job’s name (v.32) If Job had nothing to say during Elihu’s presentation, he was asked to be silent and listen to receive wisdom from Elihu.

As a toddler, our oldest daughter would often climb up into my lap, take my face between her hands, turn my head so that we were face to face, and say, “Pay attention, Daddy, and listen to me.” Children have a way of knowing just what to say to get what they want. In her way of thinking, the surest way to receive my undivided attention was to take matters in to her own hands… literally! I may have been reviewing a piece of music, reading a book, or even watching a TV program, but she would take no excuses for the apparent inattention I was giving her.

Now, Elihu was no toddler, however, he used a similar tactic. Once he had stated the obvious about being too intimidated to speak before his elders, he must have gritted his teeth and proceeded with the resolve to expect the same respect and attention as the visitors and Job gave to each other. It took Elihu the entire thirty-third chapter to prime the pump of wisdom and get the attention of his elders who may have summarily dismissed him otherwise.

This was Elihu’s second plea for Job to acknowledge his right and ability to speak (see 33:1). In their time, an age which respected the elderly and attended to those sages of wisdom who effectively delivered the much sought-after product, the efforts Elihu had made up to this point were necessary courtesies for gaining the right to present before what may have been a growing audience. What does this teach us today?

Our lives are a spectacle for all the world to see. It’s becoming more so with each additional social network one may access over the world wide web. How are we to get the attention of a world gone crazy with self-fulfillment, self-indulgences, and self-satisfaction? Elihu’s example of waiting for his turn to speak while acknowledging the scope of his audience provides a basis for us to approach this virtual world and assert our right to speak. It was not pushy, it was respectful while risking a foot in the door. Often a foot in the door may get the door slammed on it!

Are we ready to step into the arena of dialogue while demonstrating respect for others opinions? It actually is a good practice… for then we just might be able to say, “Pay attention, world, and listen!” In this day of dealing with the seriousness of COVID-19, earthquakes, wars, rumors of wars, natural disasters and such, we may have the best time in history to speak and plead for all to consider the possibility of how God may be trying to get our attention.

Have a blessed day…

“God does all these things…” Job 33:29a

Turning one’s soul back from the pit is how Elihu described the way God saves one from the certainty of death so that, “…the light of life may shine on him.” (v.30b) Doctors have recently been touting the strengths of sunlight to aid in the battle against COVID-19. It appears the virus has a maximum life of two minutes in sunlight, as the fat surrounding the nucleus of the cell deteriorates by the UV light from the sun. However, the more likely reason sunlight aids in the fight against the virus is found in the vitamin D given through the sun’s rays! Vitamin D is well known to strengthen the bodies immune-defense systems.

Isn’t it just like God to use light for strengthening our body’s resistance to disease? Elihu, though, may have meant something different when talking about the light of life. He may have been referring to God Himself… and unknowingly referring to God, The Son! Jesus referred to Himself as “The Light of the world”:

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)

The apostle John, having heard the above statement, wrote about it years later in his biography of Jesus’ life. He begins his story of Jesus this way:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.  Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  In
him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God whose name was John.  He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe.  He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.” (John 1:1-9)

Has the light of life been shined upon your heart? While we know how light provides a healthier basis for
living, John described Jesus as The Life which was “…the light of all mankind.” God turned the equation around to demonstrate how He transcends the physical world He created to provide mankind hope for the world to come. Hope, like faith, is counting on something unseen. God’s light exposes the darkened areas of our perceptions and inspires us to press on (read Philippians 3:14-15). God does all these things so that the light of His life might shine on us!

Dear soul, don’t let this time in our history bring you to a point of desperation. Find solace and strength in Christ. When you know Him, you will know His peace. Armed with that knowledge, press on!

Have a blessed day…

“…he is restored by God…” Job 33:26c

In Elihu’s conjecture of an angel mediating for a sinner, he proposed the angel pled for the transgressor, stating, “I have found a ransom for him…” (v.24). The ransom for the sinner would result in the following:

• His body would be restored to youthful vigor (v.25);

• God would receive his prayers (v.26a);

• He would be restored by God and recognized as righteous (v.26c); and

• He would see God’s face, shouting for joy (a hope of heaven(!); v.26b).

Elihu described the natural progression of a redeemed soul: he/she tells others! He described it like this:

“Then he comes to men and says, ‘I sinned, and perverted what was right, but I did not get what I deserved. He redeemed my soul from going down to the pit, and I will live to enjoy the light.’ God does all these things to a man – twice, even three times – to turn back his soul from the pit, that the light of life may shine on him.” (vv. 27 – 30)

God’s loving character is revealed in his consistent effort to seek out the lost sheep… and restore it to the flock. It’s all by His mercy and grace… all by His power… we do not have the ability or the strength to restore ourselves. When one is restored by God, one is given God’s complete acceptance, becoming a valued
member of His family… and deemed completely righteous (v.26c).

Elihu’s description of redemption did not ‘fit’ the paradigm of salvation by works. And though Elihu still held the wrong conclusion of Job’s guilt, God breathed into his mind the biblical precept of salvation by faith… and by God’s bidding – by His power, through His mercy and grace. Mercy is not getting what one deserves (v.27c); grace is getting what one doesn’t deserve through God’s loving provision.

Bad things happen to both the good and the bad; just as it rains on both the good and the bad. The ONE GOOD THING, however, that happens to all people – who are seen as sinners through the eyes of a righteous holy God – is the redemption and restoration of an errant soul. There is no sin so terrible that God’s mercy
is not able to overcome it. There is no person so desperately lost that God’s grace does not have the power to save. Ask God to speak to your heart today, then open your heart and let Jesus in. He will restore you – body and soul!

Have a blessed day…

“…I have found a ransom…” Job 33:24c

God breathed into Elihu a remarkable phrase, hinting at a day of redemption. Elihu conjectured how an angel could be a mediator on the side of one to whom God is speaking (v.23a), and how the angel might point the right way to that chosen one (v.23b). The advocate angel would seek God’s grace on behalf of that one
God had sought out, pleading for God to spare the soul from damnation (v.24a).

As Elihu continued with his possible scenario of this heavenly activity, the advocate angel announces, “I have found a ransom for him.” A ransom for individuals in need was not uncommon in their day. However, the idea of an earthly practice occurring in heaven would have been a novel idea. Their world-view of God and eternity was totally works based: good things happen to good people; bad things happen to bad people; good people get into heaven; bad people are refused entrance into heaven.

For heaven to accept a ransom for a man’s sin would have been a revolutionary concept in their day. Although there is a lot of earthly imagery in Greek mythology, those beliefs weren’t widely accepted in the faith practices of the far-east. God breathed the idea of paying for the sins of mankind into the mind of Elihu. A heavenly ransom would require a heavenly price… a perfect sacrifice… a ransom that cannot be corrupted by earthly vice or limitation. This phrase points to our perfect Savior, Jesus Christ! He is the ransom the advocate angel is speaking of! No wonder the heavenly host praised God by saying, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.” (read Luke 2:14)

Elihu’s proposed scenario of heaven reveals the heart of angels: they are pleading for the souls of humanity to be spared the judgment of damnation. They know there is only one way for that to happen: and it happened on a hill called Mount Calvary. Ask God to impart a vision of heaven to you, showing you the ransom for your
soul. His name is Jesus; He knows you personally; and He desires for you to accept His sacrifice for the ransom of your soul.

Have a blessed day…

“…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…

"...I heard the very words..." Job 33:8b

Though he was young in years (32:6), Elihu had demonstrated his ability to restrain the impulse of anger and wait for an appropriate time to enter the dialogue. He was brought up to respect his elders, but was biting at the bit for his chance to speak. There are several five-word phrases that stood out to me as evidence of Elihu’s growing need to share his thoughts:

• “I thought, ‘Age should speak’…” (v. 32:7a);

• “…advanced years should teach wisdom.” (v. 32:7b);

• “I waited while you spoke…” (v. 32:11a);

• “…I listened to your reasoning…” (v. 32:11b);

• “…I am full of words…” (v. 32:18a);

• “…I am like bottled-up wine…” (v. 32:19a);

• “…I must open my lips…” (v. 32:20b); and

• “…Job, listen to my words…” (v. 33:1a).

Elihu insisted Job pay careful attention to him (v.1b), as his words were on the tip of his tongue (v.2a) – words that would be issued from an upright heart (v.33a) and which would be spoken sincerely (v.33b). Elihu qualified himself further by stating the common ground he shared with Job: being made in God’s image (v.4),
from the dust of the ground (v.6). Job had no reason to fear any verbal attack from Elihu, as he stated he would not be heavy of hand in his comments (v. 7).

Once Elihu qualified himself to approach the proverbial round table of wisdom, he certified the truth of his words: being an ‘ear’ witness, saying, “But you have said in my hearing – I heard the very words – ‘I am clean and without sin; I am clean and free from guilt. Yet God has found fault with me; he considers me His enemy. He fastens my feet in shackles; He keeps close watch on all my paths.’” Elihu had been a bystander through the entire dialogue and was citing (in order of his quote) from 10:7; 9:30; 2:9; 13:24 & 27; and 14:16.

The young man exercised great restraint by not interrupting the dialogue between Job and his visitors. Elihu voiced his fitness to approach the table as an equal through identifying with his elders, citing a commonly held truth: we are all made in God’s image, even if we are from the dust of the ground… and to dust we must all return. Such a lowly posture surely allowed the door of opportunity to be opened.

What can we learn from this passage? Young adults can learn that respect and deference really does go a long way in getting one’s foot in the door. There is also a benefit to speaking the truth in love, as well as being accountable for what comes out of one’s mouth. How will Elihu’s words be used toward Job? Find out tomorrow, Lord willing.

Have a blessed day…

“…I am like bottled-up wine…” Job 32:19a

Elihu declared he, too, would have his say… telling what he knew (v.17). Though he was able to quell his anger and demonstrate appropriate respect to his elders, he was full of words – moved by God’s Spirit to speak (v.18). He could not hide what was welling-up inside of him – like new wineskins ready to burst (v.19).

When wineskins were ready to burst, it was an indication that the wine had fermented and was ready for consumption. To Elihu, he would find no relief for his anxious heart unless he was given the honor to speak (v.20). He promised to show no partiality, nor seek to flatter Job or his visitors for fear of God’s discipline (v.21).

Have you ever felt like Elihu… that you had held your tongue so long that you thought you’d burst? Elihu had a few hurdles to overcome: his anger (vv. 2 – 3, & 5); his understanding of socially acceptable norms in how to show respect to his elders (vv. 4, 7, & 11); his fear for failing to exercise those norms appropriately (v.6); and knowing just how to articulate his observations and rebuttals (vv. 8 – 9,14).

Yes, Elihu was certain of his time to speak. He may have been formulating his thoughts during the dialogue between Job and his friends. Elihu said he felt compelled by God’s Spirit to speak (v.18b). Would his words prove to elicit a response of repentance from Job? Or will he leave hurt feelings and grumpy old men in his wake? Stay with the story and find out in the days ahead.

This passage teaches us to overcome certain obstacles before asserting one’s right to speak. The Believer is to overcome any emotionally charged issues by de-escalating them through tempered words and genuine respect toward others. As Believers, we seek to build bridges between people as best we can (read Romans
12:9-19). Before asserting an opinion, we are to overcome our personal hurdles and understand just what and how we will verbalize both our observations and feelings in an appropriate manner.

It’s never the easiest thing to do, but we should always, at least, try. It’s really OK to disagree with another, we just don’t need to be disagreeable. I wonder if, at another time unknown to us, Paul used this passage in Job to reinforce the lesson for young Timothy in not allowing others to despise his youth:

“Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)

Perhaps, up to this point, Elihu was an excellent example for Timothy, as well as today’s young adults. I do hope this section of scripture will guide us all in seeking understanding between the generations.

Have a blessed day…

“I am young in years…” Job 32:6b

Those were the first words out of Elihu’s mouth. You’ve got to give the kid credit, he at least kept his anger at bay, while also being forthcoming. He was willing to be vulnerable in his presentation, and the first twenty percent of his talk simply described the thinking which brought him to a point of being ready to face his elders as an equal.

Though Elihu recognized the inferiority of years, he was quick to point out Job’s and the visitors’ age (v.6c). He confessed to being intimidated by their longevity, making him afraid to speak up (v.6d&e). Describing his deference to those older, Elihu said, “I thought, ‘Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.’” (v.7)

Once the formalities of paying tribute to their age was fulfilled, Elihu posited the foundation of his right to speak, saying, “…it is the spirit in a man, the breath of The Almighty, that gives him understanding.” (v.8) Elihu asserted that the aged did not have a patent on wisdom, nor were they the defining source of all that is right (v.9).

Elihu described how he had attended to the words of Job and his friends while they spoke, asking for the same courtesy during his talk (vv.10 – 12a). Perceiving the inadequacy of the visitors’ arguments to prove Job wrong, Elihu pointed out his arguments against Job would not be a repeat of what the visitors had said (vv. 12 – 14). Elihu’s transparency may have been gotten a bit edgy when he stated, “They are dismayed and have no more to say; words have failed them. Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand there with no reply?” (vv. 15 – 16). Once they had given him their attention, his inexperience may have bought him some leverage in how he addressed them. In any case, he took advantage of the opportunity to put them in their place – whether it be appropriate or not.

Sometimes, simply stating the obvious can give one the advantage in holding the attention of others who have dominated the conversation. The visitors knew all too well that their arguments had proved ineffective to sway Job toward a confession. Perhaps they were willing to hear Elihu out and see what angle Elihu would bring into the dialogue. What do we learn from Elihu?

First, we learn how to wait. Second, we recognize others before insisting on being heard – giving deference to another is polite, while providing an opportunity for reciprocity to be extended by the listener. Third, we are reminded that true wisdom DOES come from God, Who will provide His wisdom through time with Him in prayer and in His Word (read James 1:5). Finally, we are able to learn something that never goes out of style, never becomes outdated, and never dissolves into being irrelevant:  respect to those who have reached old age.

There is much to be learned from one who has lived a long life… even if they squandered it away in worthless pursuits. There is a life story in each person, and recognizing the worth of each one’s story is a blessing to both the giver and receiver.

Have a blessed day…

“…Elihu had waited before speaking…” Job 32:4

The awkward silence filled the air… and those who had gathered around the verbal contest were faced with either leaving for their homes or hanging around to see if any further developments may occur. Well, those who waited weren’t disappointed. A young man named Elihu stepped forward to address those present.
He very likely descended from Abraham, because his father, Barakel was a Buzite. Genesis 20:20-21 describes Buz as a nephew of Abraham’s. Well, Elihu had waited for his opportunity to speak - in deference to Job and the older visitors (v.4).

The first obvious observation about Elihu is his anger. Though he had shown respect to Job and his friends, he is described as being angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God (v.2). He was also angry with Job’s three friends for their inability to refute Job while condemning him (v.3). The second thing we see in Elihu is his respect for those with greater life experience (v.4). Yet, his anger was all the more aroused when the visitors had nothing more to say (v.5).

God designed the human body with two ears and one mouth, so proportionately, we should listen at least twice as much as we dare to speak.  As I was reading the story, I jumped ahead in my mind conjecturing how badly it would end for Elihu. Usually, those who fly into an angry rage make a crash landing. I’m not going to give the story away, so we will see how it progresses through Elihu’s diatribe.

Chapters thirty-two through thirty-seven are the words of a highly skilled debater – one who is intimately familiar with both the scope and sequence of debate, while also a master in public speaking. We will see how he, like Job’s visitors, articulated commonly acceptable precepts, axioms, and metaphors to make his arguments against his elders. Will his anger get the best of him? Stick with me through the next six chapters and we will see.

Until then… be like Elihu and wait before speaking… holding one’s tongue can be just as hard as holding one’s breath.

Have a blessed day…

“…let briers come up instead…” Job 31:40a

Job’s final words in his own defense concerned the last proof of his integrity, which I shared in yesterday’s vignette. He conjectured that if the land cried out in testimony against him for irresponsible management of its use, and if he had broken the spirit of his tenant farmers, then he declared he would allow briers to take over the wheat fields, as well as letting weeds crowd out his barley fields. Within these words, we find a man so convinced of his own innocence that he is willing to incur a heavy penalty if his words were proved false.

It was also a clever legal maneuver by Job: if he let weeds grow up in his fields, all the fields within a few miles of his would soon be overrun with the seeds of weeds carried by birds and any winds. You see, weeds and briers corrupt otherwise good land created by our loving Lord. The entire earth was corrupted by the fall of man. When man sinned in the Garden of Eden, it wasn’t just the fall of man, it was the fall of all creation… and I believe weeds and briers are part of the consequences of that fall. Those who had ventured by to gawk at the pitiful site of a once powerful landowner may have included jealous neighbors. Job was essentially stating that he had kept his fields like he had kept his life – free from corruption… a statement put in this way could never be misinterpreted by those who had the means to provide assistance to Job.

When we keep our lives free from the entanglements of sin, our lives – like healthy fields – produce good fruit which blesses others. The harvests of our lives will be increased many fold by keeping the weeds of sin out of the fields of our heart and mind, allowing God’s Word to flourish within our fertile minds (read Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 4:1-20; 26-29).

By allowing the weeds to grow in his fields, Job would be accepting the judgment of his community while still providing for his own sustenance. It would be more work, for he would have to separate the weeds from the good grain. Nevertheless, he could let them grow together until time to harvest and have enough to feed his wife and himself. Jesus taught how certain confederates may enter a faith fellowship, and the dangers of expelling them before bringing up those who were beginning their faith journey (read Matthew 13:24-30). Jesus corroborated Job’s thinking by teaching that, in order to preserve the good wheat, both the wheat and the tares had to grow together, then they would be separated at harvest.

Sometimes we allow briers to come up within our faith communities in order to nurture and preserve the faith walk of younger less experienced Believers. Don’t be fooled by a legalistic mindset in portraying the purity of the gospel – let briers come up instead – and let God deal with them at a later time.

Have a blessed day…

“…I sign now my defense…” Job 31:35b

Before Job signed the affidavit for his defense, he presented three final proofs of his innocence:

9. “…if the men of my household have never said, ‘Who has not had his fill of Job’s meat?’ (v.31)

Yes, Job’s reputation as a fair and generous rancher was known far and wide. It was indisputable; which is why Job was bold in defending himself. He even added how no stranger had ever spent the night in the streets in his village, as Job’s door was always open to the traveler (v.32).

10. “…if I have concealed my sin as men do, by hiding my guilt in my heart because I so feared the crowd and so dreaded the contempt of the clans that I kept silent and would not go outside…” (vv. 33 – 34).

Of course, this defense is invalid in that it can’t be proven. However, Job went on to say that if God Himself could prove him wrong, he would wear the indictment on his shoulder, or better yet – upon his head, like a crown (v.36)! Job was so emphatic about his innocence that he swore his life to be so pure as to be free of reproach, so much so that he would be free to approach God as a prince of His Kingdom. Job was willing to provide his Creator an account of his every step (v.37).

11. “If my land cries out against me and all its furrows are wet with tears, if I have devoured its yield without payment or broken the spirit of its tenants…” (vv. 38 – 39).

In his final proof, Job testifies of being a responsible farmer who nurtured both his servants and his land. His work was a sacrifice of sorts – a symbol of worship to God Who provided the land’s harvests. Job would not devour the land’s yield without the proper payments he made to his workers, as well as the payment of his own sweat and time. David mirrored a similar act of worship when he poured out the tasty water of Bethlehem as a water sacrifice to God (read 1 Chronicles 11:15-19; 2 Samuel 23: 15-16). The idea is that true worship and true stewardship must come at a price… it is an act of giving something of value to honor God.

Job may very well have offered a tithe of his first-fruits to God in worship by feeding the poor and needy with them. Similar to proof number nine, number eleven has to do with Job’s charity and philanthropy. Believers are to mirror such qualities in their living, as far too often the need is ever present, especially now in the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic of AD2020.

The transgression Job cited in proof number ten should not go without commentary, as Job was exposing how one may fear man more than God. Jesus taught His followers not to fear those who have the power and ability to kill the body; instead, one ought to fear The One Who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Matthew 10:28; Luke 12:5).

Keeping one’s sin to oneself can be prudent, after it has been vented fully before God, Who, unlike man, is full of mercy and kindness. It is impossible to take back words once spoken… confessions once spilt… which can become like feathers blown by the wind – never to fill the pillowcase again. Although it is a cathartic experience to confess a wrong done to another, exposing one’s jugular of reputation, and thus demonstrating trust in that person to forgive and forget. Just be careful with letting old skeletons out of the closet.

The best course of action is to keep one’s sin list short. This idea was presented to me by fellow South Carolinian and Winthrop University graduate, Bertha Smith, a SBC missionary to China, who developed a list for confessing one’s sins. It was fundamentally a thorough spring cleaning of one’s soul and mind before God. I met her in Fort Worth, Texas, as I was walking across the campus of Southwestern Seminary after she had spoken in the weekly chapel service, when we discovered our common bonds of South Carolina and Winthrop.

Have a blessed day…

“…I had influence in court…” Job 31:21b

Yesterday, I began reviewing the ‘proofs’ of Job’s integrity. There are actually eleven proofs, when including the first proof of Job’s covenant with his eyes. I apologize for miscounting. So, we actually saw the first FIVE proofs yesterday. As we continue with our discovery, we move to the next three proofs:

6. “If I have denied the desires of the poor or let the eyes of the widow grow weary, if I have kept my bread to myself, not sharing it with the fatherless – but from my youth I reared him as would a father, and from my birth I guided the widow – if I have seen anyone perishing for lack of clothing, or a needy man without a garment, and his heart did not bless me for warming him with the fleece from my sheep; if I have raised my hand against the fatherless knowing that I had influence in court…”.

This lengthy positional statement concerning widows and orphans was Job’s way of declaring the charity of heart he practiced from birth! What Job was saying is that, as long as he could remember, it was his nature to be merciful and sympathetic to the plight of those less fortunate than himself.

Job then declared that if anyone listening could prove his guilt in any of the possibilities mentioned, it would be so offensive that the only punishment fit for him would be that his arm be broken-off from his shoulder (vv. 21 – 23). Often an orphan’s or widow’s only hope is found in the courts… especially where there is a lack of any legal documents specifying the conveyance of property. As a village leader, Job had influence in court to see that widows and orphans were properly cared for; otherwise their lives held little promise, and would very likely end up on the streets as beggars. The leap is not a long one from begging to prostitution and thievery. Taking care of widows and orphans didn’t just elevate Job in the eyes of the people, it solved a community atrocity before it ever happened. What was Job’s real motivation for such? His fear of God (v.23).

7. “If I have put my trust in gold or said to pure gold, ‘You are my security,’ if I have rejoiced over my great wealth, the fortune my hands had gained, if I have regarded the sun in its radiance or the moon moving in splendor, so that my heart was secretly enticed and my hand offered them a kiss of homage…” (vv. 24 – 27).

These possibilities posed by Job all deal with the center of his worship. He is declaring that he never bowed in subjection to wealth, the sun or the moon. He was stating his complete faith always rested in The Almighty One Who made heaven and earth. Had he transgressed God in any of the above, he recognized they would be sins to rightfully judge him unfaithful to God (v.28).

8. “If I have rejoiced at my enemy’s misfortune or gloated over the trouble that came to him…” (v.29).

This speculation deals with a heart so darkened as to rejoice in the infirmities of others, namely one’s enemies. It echoes the teaching of our Messiah, Who instructed that we love our enemies and to pray for those by whom we are persecuted (read Matthew 5:43 – 45). Job made it clear that he had not allowed his mouth to sin by invoking any curse against his enemies (v.30).

One does not have to be a lawyer or judge to have influence in a court of law. In fact, being a witness or jury member can often be the influence making the difference. As people of truth, we offer a higher perspective within the courtroom or jury chambers.

The first two commandments in the decalogue deal with the focus of one’s worship, making Job’s seventh proof either a prequel to them or an apt commentary to their worth. Having no other Gods before us requires constant self-inspection and intentional living. There is only room for one God in our hearts… and all the confederates simply don’t fit.

Job’s eighth proof places the microscope upon one’s authenticity, forcing every Believer to consider the implications of one’s piety upon one’s prejudice. Every person who has ever faced a formidable foe knows all too well the hurdle of overcoming the wall of bias once the battle has ended. Job took it a step further: it wasn’t just about shaking hands and congratulating one on a victory; the light of love exposed the darkness of any wanton curse one may secretly hold against one’s enemy. Jesus’ commandment to love our enemies is not to be taken with a wink and a nod… it is to be lived out intentionally through bridge-building and nurturing
mutual respect – not an easy thing to do, as our emotions get so much in the way.

How is this passage working on us today? We are to be truth seekers, standing in the gap for those wrongfully prosecuted. It takes courage and faith – an authentic faith with no room in the heart for any other but the Lord Almighty. It is by that same faith practice we are to allow The Almighty to transform our broken hearts to make room for those who have offended us. We are to be the only Jesus they may ever see.

Have a blessed day…

“…a covenant with my eyes…” Job 31:1

As Job continued with the presentation of his innocence, he offered another ‘proof’ of his integrity: making a covenant with his eyes not to look lustfully at a girl (v.1). He realized that God’s eyes were continually upon him, counting his every step… and misstep (v.4). Job then re-articulated the common worldview of his day through two rhetorical questions:

“For what is man’s lot from God above, his heritage from the Almighty on high? Is it not ruin for the wicked, disaster for those who do wrong?” (vv. 2-3)

The covenant Job described was a bold statement before the men of his culture, where women were deemed as second-class citizens and human trafficking was the norm. Job was declaring that he lived as a counter-culture influencer. As we will see in the last chapter, he kept true to the practice to his dying day.

Beginning, yet, another diatribe, Job provided ten other proofs of his authentic walk of faith. We will discover them over the next three days. They each begin with a conjecture starting with the word, “if”:

1. “If I have walked in falsehood or my foot has hurried after deceit…” (v. 5). Job was willing to allow God to prove his innocence, convinced he would be found blameless (v.6).

2. “If my steps have turned from the path; if my heart has been led by my eyes, or if my hands have been defiled…” (v.7). Job declared if such was found to be true that he would allow his crops to be uprooted, giving others the right to eat what he had sown (v.8).

3. “If my heart has been enticed by a woman, or if I have lurked at my neighbor’s door…” (v.9). Job stated emphatically that such behavior would be shameful, being a fire that burns within, leading to destruction – ruining any harvest of souls pointed to God’s faithfulness (vv. 11 – 12). He even declared that if he were found guilty of such behavior, he would submit his wife to another man, to become that man’s wife and grind his
   grain (v.10).

4. “If I have denied justice to my menservants and maidservants…” (v.13). In Job’s day, indentured servants (and
   slaves) had no real recourse for mistreatment. Their livelihoods rose and fell by the goodness of the landowners for whom they worked. Job admitted that if he were found guilty of such, he had no words for how he would answer when brought to account (because to his knowledge, he had never denied justice to anyone; v.14). Job clarified his position with another two rhetorical questions (which may very well have been the inspiration for our country’s Declaration of Independence):

“Did not He Who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same One form us both within our mothers?” (v.15)

Job recognized how everyone is equal before the throne of God, even those considered as having inferior rank in society. Job’s statement reflects God’s intention to recognize life from the womb. It was God’s design to establish the family as the axle turning the wheel of society.

The first three proofs are related to Job’s covenant with his eyes: recognizing just how easy one can be enticed by the lusts of one’s own mind. O God, save us from ourselves. One of the best ways to walk in holiness is by denying one’s own leaning and turning the eyes to those in need. The fourth proof is the first revelation Job provided of such. We will discover some more tomorrow, Lord willing. Until then -

Have a blessed day…

“I have seen the Lord!” John 20:18

Good morning! He is risen! It’s a great day to praise The Lord. Mary Magdalene ran to the disciples and shared with them the same news that the woman at the well shared with her townspeople (Read John 4). Would you believe me if I told you I have seen The Lord?

How would you respond to someone who came to you with this news today? How would you receive these words? A friend of mine would reply with, “Please, tell me more!” In other words, as John Piper says, we want to see and understand the beauty of the light of His glory, for by seeing we know… and the transformation
begins!

When we see Jesus, the risen Christ, as the reigning King of Heaven, we rest in His power to design our lives for His will, even if it means giving our life for it. Nevertheless, we can, at the very least, live for Him and display His glory through a life abandoned to God’s purposes. The best compliment one could ever receive is being asked, “Are you Jesus?” The old hymn, “Let Others See Jesus in You” hits the nail on the head. You’re the only Jesus some will ever see. Let them see His glory in you… the glory of His grace raising one spiritually dead
to new life… that’s us!

You may be surprised when someone, after meeting you, says, “I have seen the Lord!”, because they will have seen the glory of God in and through YOUR life! He alone can satisfy the deep existential longings of the heart. Tell someone today!

Here’s a song I loved back in the day (from 1974) by the 2nd Chapter of Acts:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-hLSR5F4Y0

“…days of suffering confront me.” Job 30:27b

With his mind now racing to find a reason for his suffering, Job shared his own personal song of sadness. In it, we find the assumptions of his worldview being turned upside down:

• Only the most depraved of mankind would kick a man when he’s down (v.24);

• Those who sympathize for the distressed and grieve for the poor should be given some recourse when trouble knocks upon their door (v.25).

In our day, we have recently seen the horror of a street person being set on fire by hoods whose lives are bent on meanness and destruction. The fires in California left Americans speechless, especially when we saw how one first-responder’s home was burned to the ground as he was seeking to save the homes of his community. These events mirror Job’s inner conflict between his worldview and reality.

Job’s inner conflict heightened as he described how he had hoped for good, only to be presented with evil; he had looked for light, only to be given darkness (v.26). These are presented poetically, of course, showing just how traumatized Job had been, not only by the catastrophes which had come, but also at the hands of his
own community! Look how he described it:

“The churning inside me never stops; days of suffering confront me. I go about blackened, but not by the sun; I stand up in the assembly and cry for help. I have become a brother of jackals, a companion of owls. My skin grows black and peels; my body burns with fever.” (vv. 27 – 30)

Much has been said of late about the reality and effects of PTSD. Job’s ‘symptoms’ seem to point to the likelihood of having developed such in his life. Physical manifestations which included: stomach churning that could have led to ulcers; terrible bruising from self-inflicted wounds as he mourned the loss of his children
(probably wishing he had been the one to die, and not them); and a weakened immune system leading to infection, causing fever.

The saddest part of Job’s soliloquy of sorrow is found in the absence of sympathy by his own community. He even stood before the assembly to cry for help and was given a deaf ear. Why? They all had the same world view: bad things only happen to bad people. Their world view led them to the same erroneous assumption as
Job’s visitors, that Job must have had some secret sin that led to God’s judgment upon his family and him. Although he had a track record of kindness and compassion, the community was so anchored in their tradition that they could not get past the conclusions of their worldview. We know this is not the case, for Job was being touted as one in whom God found great delight.

The grief of Job’s heart was further mirrored in the last line of his sad song:

“My harp is tuned to mourning, and my flute to the sound of wailing.” (v.31)

The two instruments Job used to convey his sadness are usually sounds of comfort and hope. The harp is often portrayed as a heavenly accompaniment to the joyful sounds of those gathered around Heaven’s throne. The flute is usually scored for soothing melodies which may soar to heights of gladness. When one thinks of mourning and wailing, the first instrument that may come to mind is the heart-gripping sound of the oboe. Of course, wailing could be musically expressed through the trombone as well. The poetic purpose behind Job’s instrument selection may reflect just how bad things had gotten – that even instruments tooled for sounds of joy could only produce the notes of one in mourning.

Every soul is designed by God with the heavenly purpose to bring glory and honor to Him. When our minds and hearts are out of tune, we are like the harp and flute that are incapable of producing sweet soothing sounds of comfort and joy. One’s psychological health can be a strong influence upon one’s physical health. As children of God, we should trust in God’s plan, knowing He is the glory and the lifter of our head… yes, the bad times will pass. I hope none who read this will ever be counted among the crowd that would turn a cold shoulder to one who is truly in desperate need.

As I write this, America is in the grips of a national emergency, facing the pandemic threat of COVID-19. Thousands around the world have died from the effects of this virus. In the months to come, there may be many that will need material and emotional assistance. Will Christians rise to the occasion for the God
appointments to come? Decide today to be the only Jesus some will ever see.

Have a blessed day…