February 21 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Devotional

Job is not alone in his assessment that there is no wisdom in the speeches of his three friends. After Job and his friends have run out of words, Elihu introduces himself as a new speaker. He is intensely absorbed in the scene at the garbage heap. Elihu followed the entire conversation and feels compelled to express his opinion. He is annoyed by Job’s persistent declaration of his own innocence and by the accusation of the friends that a just man cannot suffer. He let those older than he is speak first, expecting them to be wiser. Yet he soon observes that wisdom does not necessarily come with age (32:6-9).

It is striking that once the Lord speaks (chapter 38), He rebukes Job’s three friends but has nothing negative to say about Elihu. Elihu proclaims the gospel of reconciliation and, in doing so, provides Job with a reason why he should not curse God. Elihu delivers four speeches, shedding new light on the subject. He suggests that where there is atonement and reconciliation, life blossoms and is reconstructed. Elihu has no idea as to what transpired in heaven. Nevertheless, the Lord uses Elihu to bring Job one step closer to understanding that in suffering there is hope through the ransom and reconciliation of the Mediator.

In all their speeches Job’s friends do not utter a word about reconciliation through a ransom. According to them there is a far easier road to travel and a cheaper price to be paid. If a person does his very best, the Lord is obliged to give health and prosperity. Eliphaz, Zophar and Bildad accuse Job of committing some sin for which he is now suffering the consequences. Elihu, however, does not accuse Job of secret sins but believes Job is wrong for his bold complaints against God. Job is not right in declaring, “I am in the clear with God.” Elihu suggests Job should humbly bow before God’s greatness and take to heart the message He is trying to communicate. The main point of Elihu’s speeches is that reconciliation is needed through mediation.

The gospel of reconciliation through mediation is a message we need to hear. Through it we are directed to Jesus Christ who, as our Mediator, has the power to make life possible and suffering bearable. The reconciliation He provides changes our perspective on human suffering.