Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Job+036
CHAPTER 36 (ESV)
1 And Elihu continued, and said:
2 “Bear with me a little, and I will show you,
for I have yet something to say on God’s behalf.
3 I will get my knowledge from afar
and ascribe righteousness to my Maker.
4 For truly my words are not false;
one who is perfect in knowledge is with you.
5 “Behold, God is mighty, and does not despise any;
he is mighty in strength of understanding.
6 He does not keep the wicked alive,
but gives the afflicted their right.
7 He does not withdraw his eyes from the righteous,
but with kings on the throne
he sets them forever, and they are exalted…
15 He delivers the afflicted by their affliction
and opens their ear by adversity.
16 He also allured you out of distress
into a broad place where there was no cramping,
and what was set on your table was full of fatness.
REFLECTION:
Chapters 36 to 37:20 is Elihu’s fourth speech. Elihu was rude to point out that Job should not be disrespectful of God’s words and want to argue with God. However, we should not forget that our purpose is not to blame people, but to build people up and help them turn from mistakes. Elihu talked eloquently, as if he knew everything God did. Although his speech has merits, he lacks love for people and fear of God. People’s understanding of God is just a drop in the ocean. One of the themes of biblical wisdom literature is that God cannot be fully known and we cannot fully understand Him. Through the Bible we can know who God is, how to know Him, and how to establish an eternal relationship with Him, but what we know is not always enough to make us understand all of life’s confusion. There are always more questions in life than answers. There are many mysteries that God has deliberately hidden from us in order to benefit us. We must be in awe and constantly ask God to give us deeper wisdom and confidence to face the difficulties in life.
PRAYER:
God, You are the Lord who created and governs all things in the universe. I acknowledge my ignorance and foolishness before You. I thought that reading the Bible more would help me understand everything about You, but the more I read, the more I realize that my knowledge of You is but a tiny drop in the ocean. I cannot fully comprehend You. Nevertheless, I will continue to read the Bible because through it I can learn who You are, how to know You, and how to establish a lasting relationship with You. Although there are many things I do not understand, I know that You have deliberately hidden these things from me for my benefit. Please grant me a heart of reverence, and deeper wisdom and faith to face the difficulties in my life.
HYMN:
Perfect Wisdom of Our God – m.youtube.com/watch?v=hSnzYnOe6kI
