Page 131 - Job
P. 131
completely coincides with what we are finding in Job’s life is that
Luther’s struggles culminated in the revelation that triggered “The
Reformation”. The Lord revealed to him that righteousness is not within
our ability to achieve; God Himself freely gives it. Ephesians 2:8 “By
grace you have been saved, through faith, and that not of yourself. It is the
gift of God lest any man should boast.” This kingdom changing principle
came in the midst of Luther’s “Anfechtungen”. Yours will too!
Job was too busy looking at the problem, and the others were too busy
trying to find the solution, and no one sought for God and said teach us
these things. Chapter 36:10,
“He opens their ear to instruction, and commands that they return
from evil.”
Verse 22,
“Behold, God is exalted in His power; Who is a teacher like Him?
Who has appointed Him His way, and who has said, ‘You have done
wrong’?”
Verse 13 of chapter 37,
“Whether for correction, (here is a wonderful verse) or for His
world, or for lovingkindness, He causes it to happen.”
Isn’t that tremendous? The point is, He has a reason! He has a purpose.
And it is to instruct you in some way or to conform you to Him. I believe
that is enough to show you that Elihu takes a forward step because for the
first time he introduces the concept that maybe God wants to teach you
something. Nobody suggested that before. The whole argument has been
you are wicked. And now Elihu says, “God is disciplining you”.
Let me suggest a simple outline of these four chapters in order to be able
to develop it better. I think he has four speeches. He really only spoke
once and it was never interrupted, but four, because it should have been
interrupted. Let me explain what I mean.
He speaks in chapter 33 and then he waits. He was expecting to be treated
like the others who spoke and then Job answered. But Job does not
answer. So look at chapter 34, verse 1, it says: “Then Elihu continued,”
because Job said nothing. You see in chapter 33:32,
“Then if you have anything to say, answer me; Speak, for I desire to
justify you.”
But Job did not speak, so Elihu continues. Then the same thing happens
131