January 25

Commentary and reflection:

It is impressive how young Elihu describes the greatness of God and His work in nature. It is possible for a human being to have correct knowledge on one topic and be wrong on another. In fact, truth with a little error is something very dangerous. This is an important takeaway from the book of Job.

He missed the target because he started from the wrong place. He and his friends assumed that Job was guilty and deserving of God’s punishment.
Another important lesson is that it is not our responsibility to judge. Christ is our Advocate and Judge. Like Elihu, we do not have accurate and complete information, and even if we did, we would not know how to interpret it.
In the words of Jesus,
“Judge[a] not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what [b]judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Matthew 7:1-4
What a different story it would have been if Job’s friends had listened to him, had shown sympathy for his loss, and had prayed with him. Like President J.F. Kennedy famously said, “Victory has many fathers, defeat is an orphan.” Such is human nature.
Who can number the clouds by wisdom? asks The Lord in Job 38:37.
The poem that is chapter 38 is a beautiful read. It is encouraging to reflect on the greatness and majesty of God and His wonderful work.
Considering The Lord’s statements in chapter 38, what would our response be? Is it wise to question Him? Perhaps only if it was to get to know Him better.
It is my prayer that even if we have a thousand doubts, that we never doubt The Lord.
May God grant you and your family a blessed day.

Pastor Ronald Paulin