January 29 - Job 35:1-37:24

Good morning everyone,

Today, in our reading, Elihu continues to express his opinion about the awesome power of God. Once again I encourage you to use your mind’s eye to see this scene. Job is in miserable condition. He has lost an unhealthy amount of weight, he is probably just a skeleton of a man, he has also lost most of his hair. His entire body is covered with these totally gross, oozing sores which he is scraping with a broken piece of pottery while he sits, probably criss-cross applesauce, on a heap of ashes. His three “friends” are sitting there with him in their fine clothing, satisfied with the “encouragement?” and  “advise” they have bestowed upon him. Meanwhile, this entire exchange of dialog has, in all probability, drawn an audience. People, passers by, curious of what’s going. 

Elihu, you’ll remember, was there in the crowd from the beginning and witnessed all that had been said back and forth, by Job and Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar, holding his tongue until they had finished. Now Elihu, in his conclusion, alludes to the rain, the clouds and the thunder. Keep in mind, God is just about ready to speak, and so there was probably a real storm a brewing off in the distance. The sky was darkening, the wind was beginning to pick up bringing with an air of excitement, of anticipation while swirling the sand about in tiny dust devils that dance in and out of the crowd. Can you see all this? Elihu points to this storm, he draws attention to it as he stresses God’s sovereignty over all nature, reminding us God is in control. Amazing picture, very cool!

Elihu says, “How great is God—beyond our understanding!” Indeed! How great is our God! Each and every day, as Christians we read our Bibles, anxious to know more and more about our Abba who loves us. Longing to be closer to our strength, our protector, our friend. And while we can certainly have some, and a growing, knowledge of Him and have an eternal relationship with Him, we can never know all God knows, or even come close to answering all life’s questions. He is much too big. That’s one aspect I really love, no matter how many times you read the Bible, how well you think you know it, if you will allow God, he will show you something new each time. Reveal new truths as you grow in Him, depend on Him.

Friends, our God is so amazing! Lean on Him. Ask him to strengthen you through all that He has you experiencing this season and every season in your life. We need those experiences, don’t pray them away. Instead, fall to you knees and look to the sky and pray He will make your back stronger to carry the load He has allotted you. Isaiah 41:10 promises us, “fear not, for I am with you;  be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” God wants to be your strength. Surrender to Him in your weakness and let Him show Himself strong. Remember if God brings you to it, He will bring you through it! Amen?

Have a great day and to God be the glory.

God bless you all …..