Elihu is the youngest of all the characters, which makes his words that much more profound, intriguing and wise. I don't know why the book of Job doesn't make reference to Elihu before, but his surprise entrance is a welcome addition, and his words are filled with wisdom. In fact, he is the last character to speak before the Lord finally offers his conclusion to Job to end off the book. This blog entry is dedicated fully to the man (or perhaps even boy) named Elihu...here are some of his words of wisdom:
32:8-9. Before the book of James offered the wise encouragement to the young generation with the words "don't let anyone look down on you because you are young", Elihu offers the Old Testament version here in the book of Job. He tells Job, and his friends,
"...It is the spirit in a man,
the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.
It is not only the old who are wise,
not only the aged who understand what is right"
In other words (I think it is pretty self explanatory, but I will give my interpretation anyway), just because you are old, it doesn't make you wise; and just because you are young, it doesn't mean that you will give bad advice. Elihu understands that, while age CAN give wisdom, it doesn't guarantee it. God reveals himself to everyone, every gender, age, race, intelligence, and (controversially) sexual orientation.
32:21. Elihu then stirs the pot (or foreshadows stirring the pot), by saying, "I will show partiallity to no one; nor will I flatter any man...". Elihu isn't afraid to offend. He is going to speak the wisdom that God revealed to him. That wouldn't be easy to do. First off, he is the youngest, which means that he is already showing immense amounts of disrespect by contradicting his elders. And, secondly, these are his friends. These are people that he would probably spend a lot of time with, and here he is preparing to speak harshly towards them. These subsequent chapters show an incredible faith in God, because he was trusting that God truly did give him the wisdom to share! It's also a challenge to us to be willing to spread the truth, even towards our friends, regardless of whether it goes against cultural norms, or the general consensus. Also, keep in mind that Elihu is correcting fellow believers (at least, apparently fellow believers). Elihu isn't judging or correcting others with a very different belief system...it's people that share his same faith.
33:14. Elihu is getting fed up with all the discussion about God not hearing prayers, or God not speaking to Job and his friends. Finally, Elihu speaks up, and reminds them that "God DOES speak-now one way, now another-though man may not perceive it". God is always communicating with us. He uses different methods all the time, but he is always communicating and revealing himself to us! The problem is, we don't always listen, nor do we always notice it. Elihu essentially is shutting Job up, by saying "God IS speaking, and HAS spoken to you...you just haven't seen it. Wake up and pay attention!" (nice Sister Act 2 reference there!).
35:2-3. Here is another early Old Testament jab at the Health/Wealth movement (actually, this one extends to pretty much all believers, at least Western believers),
"Do you think this is just? You say, 'I will be cleared by God' yet you ask him, 'what profit is it to me, and what do I gain by not sinning?'".
We always have to figure out the benefits. "What do I get for signing up?", "If I do this for you, what will you do for me?". The young Elihu wisely reminds us that, it's not at all about what we get in return. Frankly, it shouldn't matter if we ever get anything in return. God forgives our sins, is that not enough? We spend so much time relishing in the idea of heaven, or the idea that God wants to bless us for following him, that we see Christianity as a rewards program. We envision being a Christian like an Air Miles card...you do this here, you get to redeem your points later! It is SOOO much more than that, and thinking that way just perverts the wonderful truth of "God is Love, God is Just, God FORGIVES us and wants a RELATIONSHIP with us!"
36:11-12. Let's end this blog entry with a little controversy. I realize I just credited Elihu with preaching out against the Health and Wealth/Joel Osteen movement, however, I perhaps may have spoken too soon. Here Elihu seemingly contradicts a lot of what I was praising him for, and I quote:
"If they obey and serve him,
they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity
and their years in contentment.
But if they do not listen,
they will perish by the sword
and die without knowledge".
Am I missing something here? Did Elihu not just talk about how we can't serve God for the reward, and yet here say exactly the opposite...that serving God leads to prosperity? I definitely don't agree with Elihu's last statement here (and I know Job wouldn't, as he is unjustly suffering). Yes, God can make us prosperous, but it's not a guarantee what serving him will make you prosper. Maybe I am missing something, but even trying to read everything in context doesn't make it make any more sense to me. Elihu has just become the first Health and Wealth preacher. He had such wise, thought provoking, and profound things to say, and then he offers THAT.
The next blog entry will be God, finally showing up to the scene and offering his explanation, as well as my final summary of the book of Job. What we can learn from the book, and a few of my favourite verses! Until then, what do you think of Elihu? Is he a wise young man? Is he perhaps arrogant for trying to undermine his older friends? And what about 36:11-12? Is there any way to interpret it without it sounding like God wants us all to prosper, and if we don't prosper than we are not truly following God? Let me hear your thoughts and comments!
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