We are back, Good People! A week ago, Monday, I tested positive for Covid. As a result, I was unable to post any lessons for the rest of the week, but God has prevailed and we are ready to go! To God be the glory!
Let’s dig in with a quick review. Last Monday, I posted chapter/lesson 31, and in this chapter, Job was again claiming his innocence and challenging others to serve him with consequences if he had fallen short of being righteous. Now, in this chapter, a young man named Elihu is displeased with his elders who did not speak up against Job’s self righteousness. As a result, he is overcome with anger and he can no longer hold his tongue and keep his thoughts private. Here’s the chapter in its entirety: “Job’s three friends refused to reply further to him because he kept insisting on his innocence.
Then Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the clan of Ram, became angry. He was angry because Job refused to admit that he had sinned and that God was right in punishing him. He was also angry with Job’s three friends because they had condemned God by their inability to answer Job’s arguments. Elihu had waited for the others to speak because they were older than he. But when he saw that they had no further reply, he spoke out angrily.
Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said, “I am young and you are old, so I held back and did not dare to tell you what I think. I thought, 'Those who are older should speak, for wisdom comes with age.’ Surely it is God’s Spirit within people, the breath of the Almighty within them, that makes them intelligent. But sometimes the elders are not wise. Sometimes the aged do not understand justice. So listen to me and let me express my opinion.
I have waited all this time, listening very carefully to your arguments, listening to you grope for words. I have listened, but not one of you has refuted Job or answered his arguments. And don’t tell me, ‘He is too wise for us. Only God can convince him.’ If Job had been arguing with me, I would not answer with that kind of logic! You sit there baffled, with no further response. Should I continue to wait, now that you are silent? Must I also remain silent? No, I will say my piece. I will speak my mind. I surely will. For I am pent up and full of words, and the spirit within me urges me on. I am like a wine cask without a vent. My words are ready to burst out! I must speak to find relief, so let me give my answers. I won’t play favorites or try to flatter anyone. And if I tried, my Creator would soon do away with me.” (Job 32) (Wow! Elihu is bold! His statement regarding speaking to find relief is powerful! Many times we bottle our feelings and thoughts and they become toxic within us. Elihu just taught us to never do that and to speak our minds.)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us gain peace by speaking our minds and sharing the things you have placed on our hearts. We love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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