Job 33 & 34: I Am Righteous
Verse of the Day: (34:5) For Job hath said, I am righteous: and God hath taken away my judgment.
1. Ransom (33:1-33)
Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom. (33:24)
Though Elihu, Job’s friend was younger than him and his 3 friends, Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar, yet he was wiser and godly in his counsel to Job than the rest of them. Elihu counselled Job to submit to God, and not to be self-righteous. He reminded Job that their very breath were from God, and there was nothing they could do to resist His plan for their lives. He exhorted Job to trust God, who was their Ransom, who paid with His life for the sins of the whole world including their sins. Indeed, let us be still, and know that God is our Ransom who died and shed His precious blood for our sins. (1 Timothy 2:1-6)
2. Righteous (34:1-36)
Therefore hearken unto me ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity. (34:10)
Elihu advised Job to cease from self-righteousness, and to trust God who created and loved him. Job almost came to the conclusion that it was not profitable for him to serve God as he was now suffering from the tragic loss of his loved ones and possessions. However, Elihu reminded Job that God never sin or make a single mistake, and He knew best what was best for him. Elihu exhorted Job to keep trusting God knowing that his intense trials were beneficial to his spiritual growth, though presently he might not fully understand the causes of his suffering. Elihu reiterated to Job the attributes of God that He is omnipresent, omniscience and omnipotent, and He knew what He was doing in his life. Let us therefore humble ourselves knowing that no one is righteous before God except through the righteousness of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. (Romans 3:1-20)
3. Rebellion (34:37)
For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth his hands among us, and multiplieth his words against God. (34:37)
Elihu’s main thrust of his counsel to Job was stop complaining and submit to God’s sovereign will. It was tough for Job, but with God, nothing shall be impossible. Elihu reproved Job that all his murmuring and complains were acts of rebellion against God, and that he should immediately cease from them. Let us therefore trust God knowing that He truly loves us, and that He allows the trials of our lives to increase our faith in Him, and for His glory. Indeed, God desires and delights in our obedience than our sacrifices, as rebellion against Him is compared to that of the sin of witchcraft. (1 Samuel 15:22-23)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to humble myself and flee from self-righteousness.
