"Renewing Job's Mind" January 10 Readings: Job 32-37

Today's Reading - Job 32-37

Background

Our reading today covers the lengthy sermon of the mysterious character known as Elihu. He may be a relative of Abraham, based on the brief biography given of him in 32:2. Buz was a son of Abraham's brother Nahor and Elihu is described as a Buzite. He is a younger man, which is why he sits by observing the conversation between Job and the three friends, waiting until they finish to speak his mind.

When he speaks, though, he does not hold back. He confronts the three friends harshly because they failed to answer Job properly. His message is long and difficult to wade through in some ways, but it is significant that when God chastised the three friends he gave no word of rebuke to Elihu. He was angry at Job because he justified himself instead of God - he had become self-absorbed instead of glorifying God. He was angry at the friends because they didn't refute Job, yet they condemned him.

Elihu's message represents a more sound theology. His is a vertical view of things, focusing on God's glory and power. His primary goal is to defend the justice of God against Job's accusations and he also explores some of the purposes of God for allowing suffering. He does not share the false theology of the three friends - that Job was suffering for his own sins.

Though we cannot ascertain this with any certainty, there are some scholars who believe that Elihu might be the author of the book.

Devotional - Renewing Job's Mind

What is the role of theology in the life of the believer?

I have friends who see theology as an enemy - it divides us into denominations and spawns arguments and divisions. Others almost idolize theology. "My theology tells me this." "My theology tells me that." Neither of those extremes is healthy and we can learn from young Elihu what the proper role of theology is.

What was it that healed Job? It was a personal and powerful encounter with God. That is what change us and satisfies the soul. But the sequence of the Scripture is not an accident.

• Job was a righteous man with a deeply flawed understanding of God and the world. 
• God acted in a way to challenge Job's flawed understanding of the world. 
• Job's friends stepped in with their bad theology and tried to force Job into their heretical worldview. 
• Job grew increasingly angry with both them and God as they harangued him with their bad theology. 
• Elihu finally stepped in and proclaimed the truth - a long, in-depth, powerful message that glorified God and put Job in his place and God on his throne. 
• God revealed himself personally and powerfully to Job. 
• The encounter with God healed Job's soul and spirit. 
• Job ended the book as a righteous man with a corrected understanding of God and the world. 

If you see the book of Job as a story about a man losing his STUFF and getting it back, you have missed the point. It is about a man who loves but does not understand God being brought through suffering to a powerful, personal encounter with God that helps him better understand who God is.

Theology did not change Job's life, but it was the proper application of truth that paved the way for Job's encounter with the true and living God. Theology is never an end in and of itself. We don't study the Bible to learn facts but to encounter God.

Bad theology leads to frustration and misunderstandings that cause stress, heartache, and bitterness. Good theology helps us understand God and our place before him and leads us toward those encounters with the true and living God that change our lives. Elihu did not change Job's life, but he was an agent of change. God used him to begin the process of healing.

Study the Bible and seek to understand it not just to organize your systematic theology but because the word guides you to the truth that reveals the Truth who is the Way to Life.

Father, I thank you for your life-giving word that guides me to encounter you in all your love, power, and glory. 

Think and Pray

Do you maintain a healthy attitude toward theology and Bible study?
Does your study of God's word lead you only to facts and theological theories, or does it lead you to the living God of heaven?