Today’s reading: Job 32:1-37:24
My selection: Job 36:24-26
24 Remember to extol his work, of which men have sung.
25 All mankind has looked on it; man beholds it from afar.
26 Behold, God is great, and we know him not; the number of his years is unsearchable.
My reflections: Elihu, the youngster who has sat quietly during this long dialogue, now speaks up. Although he indicts all the others, he seems to pick up on the final words of Job and helps to refocus attention on the greatness and majesty of God. When he is done, God speaks to Job.
In the selection here, Elihu reminds us of two important truths:
1. All mankind sees God’s work, His creation. What He has done is before the eyes and ears of every person. Paul would later add that “they are without excuse” if they do not believe (Romans 1:18-20).
2. Although God is not completely known, we know enough to extol His work and we ought to do that. Again Paul would observe that men failed to acknowledge God or give thanks to Him (Romans 1:21).
The gospel, not fully known to Elihu and Job at the time of the writing of the Old Testament, tells us that God has revealed Himself truly in His Son. In the gospel we know Him not only vaguely through His creation but also, as believers, personally through His Son, Jesus Christ, who has made known the Father (John 1:17-18).
My challenge: Despite the trials you face today, remember to praise God and extol Him for His work which includes not only the creation we see around us but the re-creation of all who are in Christ (2 Co. 5:17).
Tomorrow’s reading: Job 38:1-41:34
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