Wednesday 13 August 2008

Background

One of the major themes of the book of Job is suffering. Inreading it we see one man, Job, dealing with what appears to thereader as unmerited suffering.

Much is challenged in the book of Job. The Deuteronomic theme ischallenged. At the risk of reductionism the Deuteronomic theme issimply this: If life is going well then God must be pleased withyou. If life is going poorly then God isn't pleased with you andthere must be sin in your life.

This book and Job's friends push us to understand that we can'tpossibly understand all that is transpiring in life. As the readerwe are given a 'God's-eye view' of the cause of Job's suffering,but Job remains unaware. He has to struggle to make all the dotsconnect. Through his questioning and suffering we are reminded withPaul that we only ever see through a glass darkly (1 Corinthians13:12). This side of eternity we won't ever have the fullstory.

This passage is a part of the fourth speech of a young, angry mannamed Elihu. Elihu isn't mentioned in the prologue. Nor is hementioned in the epilogue. Elihu just shows up in Job 32. Theseverses are a part of a larger hymn that speaks of God's creativepower.

To Ponder

In verse 26 Elihu tells us that God's greatnessis beyond our understanding. Why do we often live and act as if weunderstand fully who God is and what he is about in our lives andthe lives of others?

God provides all that the earth needs. When wasthe last time you marvelled at God sending rain to replenish andnourish vegetation?

Consider the power in a lightning storm. Meditateon how that is only a fraction of the power of the almightyGod.