5.29 Job 32-34

Peter Hinsch

5.29.2020

Job 32-34

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

In these chapters a young man named Elihu speaks to Job and accuses him of arrogance.  Apparently Elihu has been present for the entire discussion Job has had with his three friends.  Elihu has remained silent up to this point, allowing for the older, wiser friends to speak.  When Job’s friends can’t convince Job that he has sinned, they give up trying.  At this point Elihu finally speaks up because he simply can’t believe that God would allow Job to suffer without Job being guilty of some sin.  Elihu seems indignant that Job would even consider the possibility that God could allow suffering to an innocent person.  Elihu, like the three friends before him, tries to correct what he believes is Job’s wrong thinking about his suffering and get him to confess to sin.

What is one key verse?

Job 33:9-13 “You say ‘I am pure; I am without sin; I am innocent; I have no guilt.  God is picking a quarrel with me, and he considers me his enemy.  He puts my feet in the stocks and watches my every move.’ But you are wrong, and I will show you why.  For God is greater than any human being.  So why are you bringing a charge against him?  Why say he does not respond to people’s complaints?”

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others?

Elihu reminds me of many people in this day and age who think they have all the answers but really have no clue.  Disciples are not immune to this kind of pride.  I can definitely fall into the same trap.  We need to be vigilant about staying humble and seeking answers about life in God’s word.

How will you Go With God because of this reading? (What is an action step?)

I am reminded that true wisdom comes from knowing Christ and the only way to know God is to follow his son!  If I want to avoid being like Job’s friends, I need to humbly pursue my relationship with Christ every day.

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?)

Job’s friends offered many unconvincing and uninspired arguments to try and prove their points, but they were unsuccessful.  Jesus, on the other hand, would regularly baffle people with only a few words due to his wisdom.  He taught with authority because he was one with the father, unlike Elihu who so proudly thinks he understands God but really doesn’t.