In this chapter Elihu continues his rebuke of Job, and asserts how just, powerful and fair God really is.
” ‘Therefore, hear me, you men of understanding: far be it from God that he should do wickedness, and from the Almighty that he should do wrong. For according to the work of a man he will repay him, and according to his ways he will make it befall him. Of a truth, God will not do wickedly, and the Almighty will not pervert justice. Who gave him charge over the earth, and who laid on him the whole world? If he should set his heart to it and gather to himself his spirit and his breath, all flesh would perish together, and man would return to dust.’ ” (v10-15)
Elihu continues correcting what Job and his friends have said about themselves, and about God. He outlines how just God is in how He treats people – repaying a person according to their ways. He’s basically saying that if you act wickedly, you will ultimately receive punishment, and if you follow God, you will ultimately receive a reward. Elihu also states that God is incapable of wickedness, or injustice. There is also mention of how God is the ultimate authority and power in the universe, and nobody has the right to question Him or His methods.
Do we get the impression that God is righteous, holy and just when we look at this broken world today? There is so much unnecessary pain, suffering, and brokenness due to injustice and unpunished wickedness. Every single day someone is acting in a wicked way, and seemingly getting away with it. How does that show us God’s uprightness?
Our broken world and scripture are quite clear that God allows all kinds of terrible things to happen in this world. Why? I believe this passage sums it up well: “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days…” (Deu 30:19-20a)
God wants us to exercise the free will that He gave us, to choose trust and obedience. If there weren’t any other options, or opportunities to see the outcomes of obedience vs. disobedience, then why give us free will at all? Would it be free will if we didn’t have the opportunities to choose between obedience and disobedience?
Unfortunately, free will is a double-edged sword – it gives us the ability to love, honor, worship and obey God, but also the ability to make this world a living nightmare. This is why there appears to be so much injustice in this world – God respects our free will, and allows people to choose the path of wickedness.
He is still the righteous, holy and and just God who will one day cast final judgement on every person, as Elihu says. We just won’t see it right away, and in every set of circumstances, until His appointed time has come.
I encourage each of us to continue choosing obedience and trust toward God each and every day. I also encourage us to encourage others to do the same. Thought it’s sometimes difficult to see our righteous, just and holy God hard at work in this world, He is there if we truly seek Him. God is not welcome in many places any more, and He seldom shows Himself where He isn’t wanted (there’s that respect for our free will again). Let’s welcome Him into our lives and see His amazing, just, and wondrous works first hand.
Father God, our Just and Righteous Creator, holy and magnificent is Your name. Father we thank You for Your countless blessings upon us, including the gift of free will. This amazing feature of our innermost being can be a huge blessing, though it can also be a curse. Holy Spirit, please help soften and guide our hearts and the hearts of those around us. Would You please help direct our paths to match the Father’s paths of righteousness, so we may honor and obey our Father in heaven. Jesus thank you for modeling the righteous behavior that we so desperately need to exhibit. Thank you Father for these examples and the leading You provide. May we honor, glorify, trust and obey You forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training