While at the beginning, Job was blameless and righteous, his pride took over. He got so caught up in proving that he did not deserve this, that he refused to be quiet and listen.
Calamity and struggles are not always a consequence of a sin; they are also a tool for us to learn something about God, about ourselves and can be a warning sign to make corrections to prevent sin. Are there any warning signs that you are missing? Take a quiet pause and ask God, is there something you are trying to teach me, something you want to show me? Ask Him, seek Him, the answer may surprise you.
Passage:
Job 29-42
Discovered:
Job
- wishes for when God was present, when I was honored and blessed for my righteousness, but now I am laughed at by those younger than me (no respect).
- I cry out for God but He does not answer. I am tossed about as if in a storm.
- Are we not God’s creation? If I have sinned, let me face my punishment.
- Job’s friends had no more responses, but Elihu became angry at Job for declaring his righteousness and at his friends for declaring Job wrong with no proof.
Elihu
- You say you are blameless, but that God is against you. (contradict much?)
- God can speak through dreams, sickness. He does these things to be instructive, teach , bring people to God.
- Job declares himself innocent yet he walks with the wicked. Even reminds Job that he himself said there was no profit in being righteous.
- God does not do wicked-shows impartiality-sees all of our steps
- It is up to Job to make things right.
- God does not turn from the righteous, but opens the ears of the wicked that they may learn and prosper.
- Those who do not listen will die by the sword and lack wisdom.
- God is to be exalted, His majesty unmatched. Stop and consider the wondrous works of God.
- The Lord speaks to Job through a storm.
- Asks Job rhetorical questions about His nature, His character, His power.
- Can you create the inanimate? The world, the weather, the universe?
- Do you care for, provide for, create life for animals?
- Will you continue to blame me? – God
- Job answers: I will be silent for I am insignificant before You!
- God: You do not compare to me. Can you run the universe? Can you control the mighty beast, Leviathan (unknown which animal)? Can you stand before me?
- Job eagerly admits he does not understand God. I know you can do great things, I’ve seen them, but did not understand.
- Lord was angry at Job’s friends, their lies, told them to repent to Job and Job would pray for them not to be punished fully.
- Lord blessed Job twice over what he originally had and lived another 140 years.
Help me to remember:
struggles are not just a consequence. They can also be used to instruct, steer me to the right path.
Lord, I ask that . . .
I listen when you are trying to teach me, bring me closer to You. Open my heart, eyes and ears to You.
Heavenly Father, I am thankful for . . .
Your majesty, the universe rests in Your hands.
