Friday, December 8, 2017

Friday - Job 35 - Our Transcendent God


B
ack in Job 9:22 we read that Job felt like his religious diligence had not advantaged him in any way. Here, it seems that Elihu is picking up on that concept and rebutting it as best he can (Job 35:3).  But also in this chapter (in Job 35:8 specifically) Elihu points out that while there are advantages and disadvantages on a human level based upon our moral and religious fervor (or lack thereof), God is not one whit better or worse because of any human decision.  He stands in absolute perfection apart from us and cannot in any way be forced to do anything at any time by the actions or opinions of men. His involvement is always voluntary and based upon His own character, purposes and promises, never upon any moral obligation to us extending from any human worth or position which we think we have.

Elihu’s logic and doctrine is such that it is hard to find fault with it. He doesn't seem to be accusing Job of any former vice that could have brought all of his pain upon him.  He only rebukes Job for doubting or questioning God while Job was simultaneously speaking with (what Elihu perceived to be) flattery and confidence concerning himself. God sends His rain on the finest and on the vilest of men... and in both cases, it is His grace to do so (Job 35:5-7 & Matthew 5:45). God is always to be commended, and certainly He must not be criticized while WE are commended.

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