In Job 33, Elihu spoke the truth to Job about the wicked and how God is able to deliver them from the destroyer. However, he was wrong in the aspect of saying Job is among those sinners. He couldn’t stand the fact that Job said he was clean without transgression, without iniquity and innocent. This was impossible in his mind. In this it is written, 1“surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying, I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me. Behold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy, He putteth my feet in the stocks, he marketh all my paths. Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man. Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters.” (Job 33:8-13) Now, first of all, did Elihu know Job’s heart for God? No. Therefore, was he judging him wrongly? Yes. As you will see later on in this discussion, his teachings were not wrong when it is pointed to the right kind of people, like willful sinners. However, speaking to a righteous person, this type of teaching makes them feel like You don’t trust them and that they are not right with God. So teaching a group of people about sin is good, but telling one person to repent when you do not know their personal life for God is very wrong indeed.
In all this did Elihu instruct him as a sinner and said, 1“for God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man. He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.” (Job 33:14-18) 1“Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave, and his life to the destroyers. If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness: Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom.” (Job 33:14-18) What was spoken here to Job is good news to every sinner who is without God, but not right for Job who was upright in God’s sight. People who are in sin need to realize that God is trying to speak to them, even in their dreams at night. If they would just listen to Him, God would open up their understanding and show them the right way to live their life. In doing this, does God save people who put their trust in Him. Even does the blood of Jesus cover them and make them white as snow. This is saving a person from hell and leading people who was not deserving to go to heaven when they die. What good news this is for the wicked.
Lastly, Elihu said the following to Job about the sinner who calls upon God in prayer. 1“He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness. He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not; He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light. Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimes with man, to bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living. Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I will speak. If thou hast anything to say, answer me: speak, for I desire to justify thee. If not, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I shall teach thee wisdom.” (Job 33:26-33) As you can see, Elihu knew of God’s ways and how people can be saved. The only issue that I could see here is his lack of discernment with Job being a righteous man before God. If he could have just saw that, then all this would have still been spoken but for the purpose of sinners to learn and come to the knowledge of and not Job. Now, every person that is in sin should look to understand what he said, while repenting and calling upon God in prayer. Then, can He come and rescue people who are on the wrong path and place them on the path of righteousness. In this, they will see the light of Jesus and rejoice. In death, these people will have so much joy in heaven.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that every sinner will come to You in repentance. That they will be brought low before You, and allow You to open their eyes to this wickedness of this world. Open their mind, God, and show them how Your goodness and grace trumps everything the world tries to offer us. True wisdom can only be found in You and not what people think they know and trust in. As for me, I honor You, God. I know that You are my maker and can do all things good in my life. I trust in You like a parachute, of which I will never take off, for You are my Lord and my strength. Without You I am nothing. Not too long ago, I was counted with the wicked. I did everything under the sun that my flesh desired and still, I found no joy or happiness that lasted. In all this, I always came up empty. How guilty I was while thinking of all the sinful things I had committed. I was worthy of death and destruction, but then You came to my rescue. You heard my cries and had compassion for my soul. I never thought I could be forgiven, but You were different than the rest. It was like You saw my potential and didn’t care about my past. What a great God You are. I didn’t know that this kind of love existed until I found You. Wow! I am blown away at Your goodness. Thank You for saving me, forgiving my sins, and for leading me on a path that I can encounter Your light all my days. Darkness has been scattered and I only want to be with You now. Lead me wherever You desire. I will go and do as You command me. I am Your servant and I love You. I was once a willful sinner, but now I am Your child. Thank You, Father. I give You praise and glory, this day and forever. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
