Job 36 - Perfect Knowledge

Who exactly is this Elihu, this man who claims he has perfect knowledge?!  He implies Job's sin is arrogance and it may well be.  But, I would think that claiming to have perfect knowledge is extremely arrogant.  There seems to be some truth in what Elihu says, but it's a bit presumptuous for him to be claiming that some of these things are true about Job.

For instance, verse 5 says:  "God is mighty, but despises no one; he is mighty, and firm in his purpose." I am pretty convinced from the rest of the scripture that is most certainly true; as is verse 7:  "He does not take his eyes off the righteous; he enthrones them with kings and exalts them forever."

This Elihu is probably pretty wise, but he is not the epitome of wisdom.  We all make mistakes and we should all be very cautious when it comes to advising others on what their problems are, remembering the "speck" in our own eye. (Matt 7:5, Luke 6:42 NIV)

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

 

Job 20 - Pride

Seems Zophar is a little confused.  First off it appears that he assumes that he is righteous and Job is not.  But, there's a problem here.  He is disturbed with Job's rebuke.  He says, "I hear a rebuke that dishonors me, and my understanding inspires me to reply." (vs. 3) He goes on to say: "Though the pride of the godless person reaches to the heavens and his head touches the clouds, he will perish forever, like his own dung; those who have seen him will say, ‘Where is he? (vs 6, 7)

Is not hearing a rebuke that dishonors him and entices him to reply not his own ego, his own pride. Seems to me that Zophar can't see his own pride in what he says. He cannot comprehend his own sin.  Only the sin of the other, of Job.

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" (Matt 7:3)

In all reality there is only one without sin and that is the one who gave himself for us, that even though we sin, yet, we may live in the eternal presence of God our Father, our Saviour Jesus the Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

As we read Zophar's response, remember that Zophar is concerned with the outcome of our actions (our works) in this world.  Whereas, Job yesterday, reminded us that we will see our Redeemer face to face in the kingdom to come.

Seek ye first the kingdom of God and it's righteousness.... (Matt 6:33)

God's Peace - Judy