JOB 36–37
Elihu criticized Job for questioning God, but he did not judge himself for speaking “on God’s behalf.” What pride that any man should claim to have “perfect knowledge” and be able to serve as God’s spokesman and defender! The apostle Paul had been to heaven and back, and had learned great mysteries, yet he never made claims like that (Rom. 11:33–36). No matter how smart you think you are, you never know enough to “play God” in somebody’s life.
“Behold, God is mighty” (36:5–21) in power and understanding. He blesses the obedient but judges the ungodly and the hypocrite. (We have heard that someplace before.)
“Behold, God is exalted” (36:22–25), and no one can teach Him what is right or accuse Him of doing what is wrong. He is sovereign in all that He does.
“Behold, God is great” (36:26–37:24), and we cannot know Him. (But Elihu claimed to be the spokesman for God!) A storm may have been brewing about that time, and Elihu used it as an example of God’s greatness: the water cycle (
How should we respond to the evidences of God’s greatness in nature? We should see the majesty of God, thank Him for His provision, and obey and fear Him. But Job knew all this before Elihu was born! Nature does reveal the greatness of God; but it is in Jesus Christ that we see the grace of God, and grace meets our needs.
The Creator and His Creation
When Jesus spoke about nature, He usually emphasized the nearness of God and His care for His people. The Father knows the price of the sparrows, and He observes when they fall to the earth (Matt. 10:29–30). He feeds the birds, even though they never sow or reap (