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    January 28th Chronological Bible Readings

    Job 32:1-34:37
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    In Job chapters 32 and 33, Elihu becomes angry at Job and his friends and presents his case!  Elihu was sitting on the sidelines up until this point and obviously was ready to say a few words!  It was amazing to read his words in chapter 32 – it was apparent to me that he was young and energetic and felt he had some very important things to say – and we will hear all that Elihu has to say between now and chapter 37!  🙂 Interestingly, as we get to God speaking to Job and his friends in chapter 38, you’ll note God does not condemn Elihu along w/ Job’s 3 other friends.  The English poet and artist William Blake made this wonderful engraving below in the year 1825 titled “The Wrath of Elihu”:


    Elihu

    Elihu continues his strong discourse from yesterday! There is a lot of good stuff in his words today.  Chapter 34 verse 12 is awesome – “There is no truer statement than this: God will not do wrong. The Almighty cannot twist justice.”  I pray you believe this verse to be very true…?

    Worship God: Today’s readings in Job with Elihu’s speech reminded me of The Newsboy’s song “He Reigns:”


    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udoUHdBvdVE

    Do you know who Reigns?  Click here and meet your King!

    Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice.” Job 34:12 NIV

    Prayer Point: Pray that you never doubt that God cannot do wrong. Pray that you know that God would never pervert justice.

    Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

    God bless,
    Mike

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    2 responses to “January 28th Chronological Bible Readings”

    1. John Avatar
      John

      Job
      What about Elihu?
      After Job gives his last speech (ch. 31) which is basically self-vidication, he rests. Not only does Job recount the sins he did not commit, but in the last few verses claims to be environmetally and ecologically correct 🙂
      Who is this guy? He gets six chapters, so he must be important???? Is he the mediator Job wishes for in earlier chapters? Is he the false prophet as some claim? Or is Elihu analogous to John the Baptist in that he prepares the way for the Lord in this story?
      Elihu means “My God is He” or another translation “in God’s stead”. Reading ahead Elihu is not mentioned by God, but the other four are addressed. Some feel he is loving and gentle – yet very critical of Job. It is also said Elihu does not reason (like the three friends) – but reveals.

      Who is Elihu?

      ELIHU
      Some think Elihu is a bit of a braggart. but consider the times, and he may be just laying the platform for a “right to speak”.
      Elihu says the friends are wrong by saying suffering is in correlation to unrighteousness. They offer no remedy to Job’s condition – yet they condemn Job. This condemning (judgment – “krinos”) is the kind Jesus later said we are not to do.
      Job is wrong – the root problem with Job is there’s a sediment of pride in the bottom of the beaker of his life and when he’s upset by the 3….the sediment stirs up with his life of righteousness……and thats a problem – john Piper
      http://www.suffering.net/piper3.htm
      In Job’s self-vindication – Job has gone too far.
      God is not accountable to man, but it is the other way around. How often when disasters happen do we hear people want to know “Why did God allow this?” Interesting, that when good things happen in life – I am not so sure the same people are there to thank God.
      God is not his enemy. There is another reason that God punishes. Elihu feels there is a residue of pride in the righteous. Chastisement is the correction.

      ‘Like a surgeons knife causes pain, but the purpose is to cure.’ (John Piper)

      Some revealing statements:
      God is just
      Job34:12 “It is unthinkable that God would do wrong,
      that the Almighty would pervert justice.”
      Should there be forgiveness with no repentance?
      Job34:33 Should God then reward you on your terms,
      when you refuse to repent?
      Elihu believes Job has added rebellion to his sin of pride.
      Man brings nothing to the table.
      Job 35:7-8 If you are righteous, what do you give to him,
      or what does he receive from your hand?
      Your wickedness affects only a man like yourself,
      and your righteousness only the sons of men.
      [NOTE: We can do good or bad in this world. Good or bad can be recognized by mankind. But what has this to do with standing before God? We are not perfect – thus we have no standing before God on our own merit.]
      God does not answer the cries (prayers) of the wicked.
      Job 35:12 He does not answer when men cry out because of the arrogance of the wicked.
      [Note: I believe this is also mentioned in Proverbs. It may sound harsh, but I believe the first prayer God will heed from man is – “I am lost – save me”. Think about it – Why should God heed (he hears, but will not heed) a request from one who rejects Him? And later rejects His Son and plan of salvation?]
      Again repentance is the key to forgiveness.
      Job 36:10-11 He makes them listen to correction
      and commands them to repent of their evil.
      If they obey and serve him,
      they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity
      and their years in contentment.
      Man rejects or accepts.
      Job 36:13,15 “The godless in heart harbor resentment;
      even when he fetters them, they do not cry for help….But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering;
      he speaks to them in their affliction.”
      God is calling you Job. He is trying to get your attention. God is not a bellhop – who is at our beck and call. Quit trying to deal with God. Treat God with the respect He deserves. Know that His wonders are beyond our comprehension. Be in awe and revere God.

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    2. Beth Avatar
      Beth

      Thanks John, that was really helpful and insightful.

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