Job 33-35

June 7

Job 33-35

Elihu gave some good advice to his elders. He reminded them that God is in control and He speaks to men, though men do not always hear when He speaks. God speaks to us through our circumstances. He speaks through dreams, visions and through the words of people around us. Sometimes God speaks through a still small voice that is easily drowned out by the noise of the world in which we live. God speaks to us through the Holy Spirit to redirect out paths so we turn from our disobedience and follow the narrow path to eternal life.

Elihu speaks of the soul of man drawing near the pit of death but God can pull him away. Then he speaks of a man saved by God’s hand. "Then he comes to men and says, ‘I sinned, and perverted what was right, but I did not get what I deserved. He redeemed my soul from going down to the pit, and I will live to enjoy the light.’ “God does all these things to a man— twice, even three times— to turn back his soul from the pit, that the light of life may shine on him." (Job 33:27-30, NIV)  These verses remind us that God is not a vengeful God desiring to throw humanity into the pit of hell, but He is a loving Father who wants to redeem and save any who will turn to Him.

God constantly watches over our lives and will direct our paths if we will stop and listen. Wherever we go, He goes with us. David speaks of this in Psalm 139. Wherever David goes whatever he does, his thoughts and words are all known by God before he utters them. God loves us and pursues us. He does not sit idly in heaven wondering if we will turn to Him or away from Him. He pursues us with a loving vengeance. He will snatch us from the edge of the pit of hell if we will only listen to His words of instruction.

Elihu accused Job of saying; "Yet you ask him, ‘What profit is it to me, and what do I gain by not sinning?’" (Job 35:3, NIV) First the question is self centered which is the basis of sin. It is about what is in it for me. But getting beyond that, the profit and gain to not sinning is a relationship with God now and for eternity. God wants that relationship with us. He longs for us to turn to Him to seek salvation, and to allow him to direct our lives. We may not see physical benefits on this side of heaven. We may face trials and temptations as Job faced. But our relationship with God is worth more than silver or gold. He can help us make it through the trials.

Paul gives us a good perspective on this when he wrote; "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." (2 Corinthians 4:17, NIV) When we look back from eternity, even the trials of Job will seem light and momentary. Life on this earth is fleeting. Life in eternity is lasting. Trials of earth are nothing compared to the blessings of heaven. What is the profit of not sinning, what is the gain? Eternity with God; A great return on your investment.