Are we ever tempted to accuse God of not doing right, or do we wait upon him with patient trust? Let’s look at Job 35.
Did Elihu claim that Job thought he was right and not God? Are we self-righteous like this?
Then Elihu said: “Do you think this is just? You say, ‘I am in the right, not God.’ Yet you ask him, ‘What profit is it to me, and what do I gain by not sinning?’ (Job 35:1-3 NIV)
Does Elihu remind Job that God is far above, unaffected by any good or evil here below?
I will answer you, And your companions with you. Look to the heavens and see; And behold the clouds—They are higher than you. If you sin, what do you accomplish against Him? Or, if your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to Him? If you are righteous, what do you give Him? Or what does He receive from your hand? Your wickedness affects a man such as you, And your righteousness a son of man. (Job 35:4-8 NKJV)
Do so many people cry out in agony but not ask, where is God?
People cry out when they are oppressed. They groan beneath the power of the mighty. Yet they don’t ask, ‘Where is God my Creator, the one who gives songs in the night? Where is the one who makes us smarter than the animals and wiser than the birds of the sky?’ (Job 35:9-11 NLT)
Is Elihu claiming that Job’s prayers were the proud and empty prayers of an evil man?
There they cry, but no one answers, because of the pride of evil men. Surely God will not hear an empty cry, neither will the Almighty regard it. (Job 35:12-13 WEB)
Does Elihu tell Job to wait upon God patiently and to not pile up ignorant words?
Although you say that you don’t see him, the case is before him; so wait anxiously for him. Even though his anger is now held back, a person doesn’t know it’s only delayed. So Job mouths emptiness; he piles up ignorant words. (Job 35:14-16 CEB)
Is this one of life’s greatest lessons, to wait upon the Lord and His timing?
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! (Ps 27:14 ESV)
Whether we are experiencing good or bad times, do we trust God’s promises?
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose. (Rom 8:28 HCSB)
Are we ever tempted to accuse God of not doing right, or do we wait upon him with patient trust? You decide!
