Job 32, 33 and Matthew 14:1-21
At the end of Job 31, Job was going on and on about all the things he has done in his life, justifying himself to be unworthy of the predicament he’s in. He’s been talking to three men, in their elder years, asking them what he’s done to deserve this. They have no answer, though they do believe he did do something to shame God. In chapter 32, Elihu speaks up. Apparently, he has been in the background this entire time, saying nothing because he is young and these men are older, so he wanted them to have the chance to respond first. But they didn’t have anything to say. Elihu is not happy. First, he goes off on the three men, exclaiming that he was mistaken: wisdom doesn’t come to the old, it comes to those who fear and seek God. Then in chapter 33, Elihu moves to Job. Job has been justifying himself and not God. He thought he was pure and blameless, and Elihu punches him in the face (metaphorically) by reminding him that no one is pure and blameless. We are all sinners, and we all deserve the punishment Job was receiving. Elihu isn’t all fire and flames. Late in chapter 33, he reminds Job that God is a good God, who forgives even when he shouldn’t. The chapter ends when Elihu tells Job that its time for a lesson in wisdom.
Switch gears to Matthew 14. The first part explains how John the Baptist was killed when King Herod’s mistress had her daughter dance for the the king, and in his gladness he promised her anything she wanted. The girl asked for John the Baptist’s head. Herod was sorry, because he didn’t want to do it, but he had made a promise. Jesus hears the story, and withdraws from the people. But the crowds followed him and he had compassion on them, and healed their sick. That’s when he performs the miracle of feeding the five thousand men, plus women and children.
This Job section reminds me of the passage in Timothy, where Paul tells Timothy to be strong, even though he is young. That’s the attitude of Elihu. Matthew reminds me of the importance of promises. Also, from verse 16, it teaches that we can do great things with what we have.
Lord, thank you for reminding me of these truths. Help me to be bold, even though I am young, and to offer you all I have. I ask that you would take my life and do something great with it. Thank you for your Word and your teaching. I love you, Jesus.
