April 30, 2024

When "wondrous works" don't feel so wonderful . . . .

Job 37

Bethany Malone
Tuesday's Devo

April 30, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

April 30, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

April 30, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

April 30, 2024

Big Book Idea

God is at work even when we can't see it.

Key Verse | Job 37:13-14

"Whether for correction or for his land
or for love, he causes it to happen.
Hear this, O Job;
stop and consider the wondrous works of God."

Job 37

Elihu Proclaims God's Majesty

1  At this also my heart trembles
    and leaps out of its place.
2  Keep listening to the thunder of his voice
    and the rumbling that comes from his mouth.
3  Under the whole heaven he lets it go,
    and his lightning to the corners of the earth.
4  After it his voice roars;
    he thunders with his majestic voice,
    and he does not restrain the lightnings 1 37:4 Hebrew them when his voice is heard.
5  God thunders wondrously with his voice;
    he does great things that we cannot comprehend.
6  For to the snow he says, ‘Fall on the earth,’
    likewise to the downpour, his mighty downpour.
7  He seals up the hand of every man,
    that all men whom he made may know it.
8  Then the beasts go into their lairs,
    and remain in their dens.
9  From its chamber comes the whirlwind,
    and cold from the scattering winds.
10  By the breath of God ice is given,
    and the broad waters are frozen fast.
11  He loads the thick cloud with moisture;
    the clouds scatter his lightning.
12  They turn around and around by his guidance,
    to accomplish all that he commands them
    on the face of the habitable world.
13  Whether for correction or for his land
    or for love, he causes it to happen.

14  Hear this, O Job;
    stop and consider the wondrous works of God.
15  Do you know how God lays his command upon them
    and causes the lightning of his cloud to shine?
16  Do you know the balancings 2 37:16 Or hoverings of the clouds,
    the wondrous works of him who is perfect in knowledge,
17  you whose garments are hot
    when the earth is still because of the south wind?
18  Can you, like him, spread out the skies,
    hard as a cast metal mirror?
19  Teach us what we shall say to him;
    we cannot draw up our case because of darkness.
20  Shall it be told him that I would speak?
    Did a man ever wish that he would be swallowed up?

21  And now no one looks on the light
    when it is bright in the skies,
    when the wind has passed and cleared them.
22  Out of the north comes golden splendor;
    God is clothed with awesome majesty.
23  The Almighty—we cannot find him;
    he is great in power;
    justice and abundant righteousness he will not violate.
24  Therefore men fear him;
    he does not regard any who are wise in their own conceit.” 3 37:24 Hebrew in heart

Footnotes

[1] 37:4 Hebrew them
[2] 37:16 Or hoverings
[3] 37:24 Hebrew in heart
Table of Contents
Introduction to Job

Introduction to Job

Timeline

Author and Date

The unknown Israelite author of this book presents Job as a person living in Uz (see note on 1:1). Job’s godliness (1:1) matches the ideals of Israelite wisdom literature. He clearly knows Yahweh (1:21). The events of the book seem to be set in the times of the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob).

Theological Themes

The book of Job concerns itself with the question of faith in a sovereign God. Can God be trusted? Is he good and just in his rule of the world? The book shows that the reasons for human suffering often remain a secret to human beings.

In the book of Job, God seems both too close and too far away. On the one hand, Job complains that God is watching him every moment so that he cannot even swallow his spit (7:19). On the other hand, Job finds God elusive (9:11). Though God is greatly concerned about humans, he does not always answer their most agonizing questions.

At the same time, Job’s friends offer no real help. They come to “comfort” him (2:11), but Job ends up declaring them “miserable comforters” who would console him “with empty nothings” (21:34). These friends represent an oversimplified view of faith. They think that all human troubles are divine punishments for wrongdoing. Their “comfort” consists largely of urging Job to identify his sin and repent of it. These friends are negative examples of how to comfort those who are suffering.

The book illustrates that one does not need to fully understand God’s will in order to be faithful while suffering. Those who suffer need not be afraid to express to God their confusion and questions.

Purpose

The book of Job was written to those who struggle with the question of how God can be good when the world is filled with suffering.

The author does not provide a formal defense of God’s justice. Rather, as Job’s friends offer their inadequate answers, the author shows how their reasoning fails. Then, in chs. 38–41, the Lord speaks in his own defense, bringing Job to fuller understanding (ch. 42).

Even during his suffering and confusion, before God finally speaks, Job can triumphantly declare, “I know that my Redeemer lives” (19:25).

Outline

  1. Prologue: Job’s Character and the Circumstances of His Test (1:1–2:13)
  2. Dialogue: Job, His Suffering, and His Standing before God (3:1–42:6)
    1. Job: despair for the day of his birth (3:1–26)
    2. The friends and Job: can Job be right before God? (4:1–25:6)
      1. First cycle (4:1–14:22)
      2. Second cycle (15:1–21:34)
      3. Third cycle (22:1–25:6)
    3. Job: the power of God, place of wisdom, and path of integrity (26:1–31:40)
    4. Elihu: suffering as a discipline (32:1–37:24)
    5. Challenge: the Lord answers Job (38:1–42:6)
  3. Epilogue: The Vindication, Intercession, and Restoration of Job (42:7–17)
The Global Message of Job

The Global Message of Job

Universal Questions

With its story of one man’s life and suffering, the book of Job raises universal questions. Why do people suffer, especially godly people? Where is God in suffering? Can God be trusted amid suffering? Job’s friends try to answer such questions with superficial and simplistic solutions, eventually earning God’s rebuke (Job 42:7–9).

Ultimately we learn from Job that we can hope steadfastly in our sovereign God. Instead of providing easy answers to hard questions, this incomparably glorious, all-knowing, and almighty God presents to people in all places and in all times the simplest, most powerful, and most universal answer to these questions. God’s answer to human suffering has everything to do with his own infinite goodness and care for his creation.

Suffering in a Fallen World

In the life of Job we see the breadth and depth of human suffering. We see suffering in health (Job 2:7), suffering in the loss of property (1:14–17), and suffering in the tragic death of family members (1:18–19). In Job we also listen in on a discussion in the heavenly courtroom between God and Satan (1:6–12; 2:1–7), in which God delights in the upright life of Job. There we are given a window into the normally invisible reasons for our trials and suffering.

Sin and suffering. Suffering is universal, though the kind of suffering differs from circumstance to circumstance. Sometimes we suffer because of our own sin. There is no such thing as sin without consequences. Sometimes God himself directly chastises his people for their sins. However, Job’s friends are wrong to assume that his suffering is a direct result of disobedience (Job 8:4), and it would likewise be wrong to conclude that all or even most suffering in the world today is divine punishment for specific sins. The speeches of Eliphaz (chs. 4; 5; 15; 22), Bildad (chs. 8; 18; 25), and Zophar (chs. 11; 20) reflect such wrong assumptions.

Common suffering. Another type of suffering is what we might call “common suffering.” This is suffering that affects all people without distinction. It is simply the result of living in a fallen world. It includes health problems from colds to cancer. It includes bad weather, earthquakes, and typhoons. It includes financial struggles, and even death itself. Each tragic incident in Job’s life includes an element of this common suffering.

Godliness and suffering. Not only are godly people afflicted with suffering just as others are, but the godly experience some kinds of suffering due specifically to their godliness (Matt. 10:24–33; Acts 14:22; 2 Tim. 3:12). Faithfulness to Christ will bring insult and at times persecution—suffering that could be avoided if we were not disciples of Christ. We see this principle in Job, for it was precisely Job’s uprightness that prompted God to single him out to Satan and then led Satan to seek to afflict him (Job 1:8–12).

Devastating suffering. Job’s suffering is uniquely profound and painful. Some suffering, we learn, defies any category. We discover in Job that Satan has a hand in some of the suffering of God’s people (Job 1:6–12; 2:1–7; compare 2 Cor. 12:1–10). But even such demonically instigated suffering is not outside of God’s sovereignty. Nor should our focus be on Satan when we suffer but rather on persisting in steadfast faith amid such God-ordained pain. At the very least a lesson to be learned from Job is that our vision and insight into suffering is severely limited. What is not limited, however, is God’s perfect understanding and sovereign control over every event in our lives. In the “Yahweh speeches” of Job (chs. 38–41), God does not engage Job in the details of his questions and complaints. Rather, God reminds Job that God is God and Job is not. God laid the foundation of the earth (38:4); he is God over the seas (38:8, 16), over the stars (38:31–33), and over every creature (39:1–30; 40:15–41:34).

A Global Message of Comfort and Hope

The almighty, all-good God. Despite its focus on challenges and sufferings, the book of Job speaks a message of great hope to the world. We live in a world longing for comfort and hope, and such hope is found in the sovereign God who sees, who is good, and who is faithful. We are not victims of random fate or uncontrolled circumstances. We are loved faithfully and passionately by a sovereign God who works all things for our good (Rom. 8:28). The suffering global church can take comfort amid suffering, knowing that God is pleased with our faithfulness to him, even as God expressed delight in “my servant Job” (Job 1:6–8; 2:3). James 5:11 reminds us that God will fulfill his good purposes and is indeed compassionate and merciful toward his people.

No neat formulas. Living an upright life of faith in God does not exempt us from suffering. This was the fundamental misunderstanding of Job’s friends (Job 8:6) and the reason that their “comfort” was so “miserable” (16:2). Indeed, in Job and in all of Scripture we see that suffering is a part of the experience of godly people, and that suffering is also a means for our sanctification. Suffering is a blessing as through it we learn that God’s ways and purposes are much greater than we can know (chs. 40–41). His purposes and faithfulness are much greater than the achievement of ease and a comfortable life; the global church must not make an idol out of worldly comfort and earthly abundance.

The sufferings of the Savior. Job confessed faith in the living Redeemer (Job 19:25). That Redeemer would one day come and suffer for us on a cross. Here we have yet another kind of suffering, the atoning sufferings of Christ. He suffered for our salvation, bearing the penalty for our sin. It is also our great privilege to share in his suffering (2 Cor. 1:5; 2 Tim. 1:8; 2:3; 1 Pet. 4:13). These are not the sufferings of health problems or bad weather or the consequences of our own folly. These are sufferings that flow from our union with and loyalty to Christ. There is a global attack on the righteous, but God will continue to provide sufficient grace to his people (2 Cor. 12:9).He will grow both his people and his kingdom through such suffering as it is endured in faith.

Our Intercession and Mission of Hope

Though God’s righteous anger burned against the three friends of Job, their folly was forgiven in response to the righteous intervention of Job’s prayers (Job 42:7–9). What then is the Christian response to those who suffer—and to those who cause suffering?

We are to intercede for the world, both in prayer and in life. We are to “comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Cor. 1:4). This comfort must find expression in our ministry and service to those in need both where we live as well as around the world—to orphans, widows, and all those who suffer.

This comfort is most gloriously and eternally known as the church ministers the gospel of new hope in Christ to the world—to the lost, to the downtrodden, and even to our enemies (Matt. 5:44). For the greatest suffering in this world is not the loss of property or even family; it is to be lost in sin, without the living Redeemer.

Proverbs Fact #1: Wisdom

Fact: Wisdom

Wisdom is a key term in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. The word can mean “skilled at making sound decisions in life.” Proverbs 9:10 states that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”

Job Fact #1: Comfort

Fact: Comfort

Comfort is a key word in the book of Job. When faced with personal tragedies, Job receives no comfort from his friends (16:2). But when God answers him (see chs. 38–41), he finds the comfort he needs.

Job Fact #7: Three cycles of conversations

Fact: Three cycles of conversations

The book of Job includes three cycles of conversations in which the friends of Job offer their comfort and advice, and then listen as Job responds. The first cycle covers chs. 4–14.

Job Fact #15: Elihu

Fact: Elihu

Elihu is the only character in the book of Job with a Hebrew name.

Job Fact #18: Snow from Mount Hermon

Fact: Snow from Mount Hermon

The snow from Mount Hermon is an important water source for the Jordan River, but the climate in much of Israel is too mild for regular snowfall. In Job, snow is a symbol of purity (37:6).

Study Notes
Job Fact #18: Snow from Mount Hermon

Fact: Snow from Mount Hermon

The snow from Mount Hermon is an important water source for the Jordan River, but the climate in much of Israel is too mild for regular snowfall. In Job, snow is a symbol of purity (37:6).

Study Notes

Job 37:7 He seals up the hand of every man. This probably refers to the way severe weather causes people to take shelter and thus prevents them from working.

Study Notes

Job 36:22–37:13 Elihu describes God’s power and majesty as manifested in storms, through which he accomplishes whatever purpose he has in mind.

Job 37:13 God’s providential purposes may relate to people (correction or love) or may be for his land (see also 38:25–27).

Study Notes

Job 37:14–20 Elihu focuses on God’s majesty. He calls on Job to listen (Hear this, O Job) and consider this description in his complaint before God.

Study Notes

Job 37:21–23 Elihu likens the light that comes after a storm has cleared to the God who is clothed with awesome majesty, who cannot simply be found, who is extremely powerful, and who does not violate what is right.

Study Notes

32:1–37:24 Elihu: Suffering as a Discipline. A new speaker, Elihu, is introduced (32:1–5), followed by an uninterrupted record of his speeches (32:6–37:24). These include an announcement of his intention to speak (32:6–22), an initial challenge to Job (ch. 33), a general dispute against what Job has asserted (ch. 34), a description of Job’s place before God (ch. 35), and a lengthy section that describes and defends God’s majesty (chs. 36–37). Some scholars believe that Elihu’s viewpoint in the dialogue is closest to that of God himself, but there is no hint of this in the chapters recording the Lord’s own words (chs. 38–41).

Job 36:1–37:24 Elihu concludes his lengthy speech.

S3:083 Job 37

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Dive Deeper | Job 37

In his fourth and final speech, Elihu proclaims God's majesty to Job. Elihu explains that our God controls the weather here on earth. At His command, rain, cold, wind, snow, thunder, and lightning will follow. "Whether for correction or for his land or for love, he causes it to happen. Hear this, O Job; stop and consider the wondrous works of God." (Job 37:13-14) This passage explains some of God's character—He is omnipotent, immutable, just, and glorious. God is holy. He is set apart, revered, and divine. As Elihu explains, "Therefore, men fear him." (Job 37:24a) Fear of the Lord does not mean being scared. As my favorite author Tim Keller says in The Meaning of Marriage, "To fear the Lord is to be overwhelmed with wonder before the greatness of God and His love."

Living under God's creation in a busy city, it is hard to pause and witness his glory. People can give in to busyness, work, sin, and idolatry. When I have an opportunity to step out of my normal routine to travel, take a walk, and look at the stars, it is hard to avoid crediting a creator. Science can only explain some things, but not everything. People lack answers.

"Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, remember the former things of old; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose'" (Isaiah 46:8-10). Our God is the one true God who sent His only Son as a sacrifice so that we may have eternal life. We should all pause and consider God's wondrous works so we can start living differently. Only He knows the outcome and purpose. We need to live in a way that points to our heavenly Father and brings Him glory here on earth. Sharing our testimonies of faith and salvation so others can come into a relationship with Christ does that.

This month's memory verse

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

– Galatians 5:22-23

Discussion Questions

1. Is there a place or practice you have incorporated into your life that helps you see the wonderful works of God on a daily basis?

2. How can we retrain our minds to fully surrender and more intimately fear the Lord?

3. Which characteristic of God do you find the most comforting in this season of your life?

Respond to Today's Passage

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MS

Michael Scaman

Many commentators see Elihu as flawed but I (and others see him as good advice including John Piper). Some reasons being People greatly disagree about Elihu but I say generally good advice, imperfect and incomplete. 1. God does not criticize Elihu as he does the others, the friends and Job. 2. He's respectful and humble and deals. As both Elihu and God condemn pride. 3. He claims to speak by the Spirit of God, and on behalf of God not corrected 4. He makes a place both for protecting God's justice and Job's innocence (in many matters) 5. His heart is beating out of his chest as he correctly perceives God in the storm 6. Elihu makes a reasonable buffer between Job demanding to talk to God 7. Elihu speaks about the place of the whirlwind, in preparation for God speaking from the whirlwind 8. God speaks on the mysteries of creation where Elihu left off. 9. Elihu and God both even speak of great waters being frozen by God's breath. They seem to be on the same page. (and a possible reference to a short ice age after the flood). 10. He offers reasons a righteous person might suffer. Just a few reasons in his favor. John Piper does say the book of Job has the longest stretch of good and bad advise intermingled. Maybe that's part of the intention, sorting it out? Elihu is still flawed in that he is giving incomplete advise. Why do some people suffer terribly and relentlessly? Why do people suffer because of others? Why do babies die? He might be trying too hard, over-explaining. In his favors Elihu does say there are mysteries in his defence of God. Also, on the subject of Genesis. More interesting things related to Genesis. There are several reference that could fit a literal Genesis and one may be "He freezes the broad waters" Job 37:9-10 which could refer to a short ice age following the flood of Noah. Why would middle eastern people have a story of 'brad waters freezing" and strangely so to som Australian aborigines (consistent with a short ice age after the flood of Noah).. Some n Indians have stories of the Grand Canyon formed in a flood (constant with a glacial overflow_. Elihu has spoken about the way of the whirlwind and the mysteries of God. and who knew this is prelude to having "God speak through the Whirlwind" The word for God is Yahweh and in the book Yahweh is only used for God by the narrator with one exception by Job where he says how even the animals know it is Yahweh who did this. In all other places it it El, Elohim, Eloah (Eloah a term for God mostly used 80% in Job only) more indefinite distant terms and more generic terms for God tan Yahweh the covenant God. Title: The Epic Ballad of Elihu ends as if by Bob Dylan (Verse 1) In the thunder's roll and lightning's dance, God's voice echoes through every expanse, Snow on Hermon, a sign so pure, His wonders we can't fully secure. (Chorus) Stop and listen to the wondrous works, In the storms, in the rising tornado, He lurks, From correction to His endless love, God's hand guides from realms above. (Verse 2) Balancing clouds, a mystery to behold, In His wisdom, secrets untold, The Almighty's might, beyond compare, In His justice, none can snare. (Chorus) Stop and listen to the wondrous works, In the storms, in the rising tornado, He lurks, From correction to His endless love, God's hand guides from realms above. (Bridge) But beware the pride that leads astray, For God opposes, as Job will say, In His power, the proud are humbled, In His grace, the righteous are cradled. (Chorus) Stop and listen to the wondrous works, In the storms, in the rising tornado, He lurks, From correction to His endless love, God's hand guides from realms above. (Verse 3) As he speaks, a whirlwind forms, God's presence felt in the raging storms. Not El, Elohim, or Eloah, But Yahweh, the name that silences awe. (Outro) God will continue with the mysteries of creation, Asking, "Were you there?" provoking humble contemplation. What an irony, Elihu says in Job 37:21-24 "The Almighty—we cannot find him" Then God speaks.
GJ

greg jones

“Some of the things I felt when writing to my younger self were shame and guilt. I began to feel sorry for all she encountered. I instantly wanted to shield and protect her from things she didn’t need to experience. I also remembered how innocent she was. The sound of her laughter. What brought her joy. Her spunky personality. These feelings are normal to have. This is where true authenticity and vulnerability stem from.” . Writing A Letter to My Younger Self Helped Me Find Closure - The Good Trade Excerpt from the linked article. There’s a couple of ways to read the book of Job. The majority of the people I hang out with on a regular bases, and how I was always taught, read and understand the book of Job and the characters in it as historical people. As for all that Job suffers, recorded historical acts. And all the conversations, they are historically recorded conversations. Today I read Job as Jewish wisdom literature. I read it as if serving a similar purpose that writing a letter to one’s younger self might serve when heard and taught to its original audience in its current form. But, it’s written to the ANE Jewish nation of Israel. It’s written for a nation of people, who, for the most part don’t write. Job’s story is a story that a nation can relate to. The conversations that Job has with his friends are internal conversations that Israelites in a certain time in history could readily relate to. The book later would also always serve a purpose in helping Judah pass the meanings and truths of its stories on to the next generation. I can imagine it looking and sounding something like this. A small boy comes home from school in the second temple era (between the Old Testament and New Testament) and says to his father “today in school we read about evil king Manasseh 2 Kings 21:10-15. We learned he was so bad that he is the reason we were later taken into exile many years later after he slept with his fathers and was buried in his garden. So father, why do we say what we say in 2 Chronicles 33:10-17?” “Well son, you know how in Deuteronomy 31:17-18 God tells Moses he’s going to forsake his people later on? “Yes father the story today in Kings reminded me of that. Just like the Chronicles story sort of reminded me of Deuteronomy 31:6 except the story’s about Manasseh instead of Joshua.” “Well son, if God had done that for good back then we would have to get a new God. But we didn’t get a new God. We got a new part to that old story that explained our God better. Sometimes our stories made our God look and sound like the gods other people have. Our God is bigger and better than our oldest stories. But those stories are important to us. Dad. Yeah son. I think I would much rather have a new story than to lose my God. Me too son. Dad. Yeah son. What would it feel like to lose God? Son. Yeah dad. Do you know who Job is? No sir. Well son… That’s kind of simple and cheesy. Not exactly a letter to my former self. But it’s a story I can write and it helps me: “We should all pause and consider God's wondrous works so we can start living differently.” It also helps me to connect some dots between 2 Kings 21:10-15, 2 Chronicles 33:10-17, Deuteronomy 31:6 and Deuteronomy 31:17-18 and Isiah 46:8-10. Good morning Bethany, a great devotional. Great bio too, I love how your story changed and what accounted for it.
SF

Shawn Foster

Good Morning WM family! Encouraging devotional Bethany. Isaiah has so many handle bars to cling to… love the reference to ch 46. Clearly God tells us what and how to think. What a wonderful thing! Numerous times he tells us “Forget the things of the past… (hurts, habits & hangups) and “Remember Remember Remember….” The many deeds I (God Almighty) have done and continue to do. Yes, what a blessing to renew our minds everyday. “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed. His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentation 3:23. Bethany, Thank you for this devotional & HAGWOW my sisters & brothers!!!
SB

Sue Bohlin

Thank you, Bethany. Tomorrow we FINALLY, FINALLY get to God's totally amazing speech. I have been waiting for this since March 4 when we started the book of Job!! But today Elihu lands his plane with a call to fear God. Which reminds me, this weekend I attended a counseling conference where Dr. Ed Welch spoke, and I learned about a powerful paper he wrote called "Fear is Not Sin." When we are afraid, which is completely normal given our weaknesses and life in a fallen world, God comforts and soothes us by reassuring us, "I'm here. I am with you." The fear of the Lord with which Elihu closed his many words, produces a healthy awe combined with a growing awareness of His great love for us. God's going to grow Job's awe (and no doubt his friends as well) in the next chapters) real quick. And my guess is that Job's love for Him also grew. [Spoiler alert: happy ending ahead]
AL

Amy Lowther

1. I have implemented small amounts of time throughout my day as breaks away from the busyness of life to consider what I have done and what I need to do each day. I also pray and consider how God would want me doing things each day. 2. We can study His Word in the Bible and discuss what we learn with others. We can apply what we learn from God in daily life. We can take a Bible study or participate in Regen. We could attend the Porch, or we could attend Prodigal. We can serve for the church, and we can attend services on Sundays. 3. His strength in life and in unconditionally loving everyone is a good characteristic of God. Bethany - Thank you for sharing your ideas. You make a good point in saying, "To fear the Lord is to be overwhelmed with wonder before the greatness of God and His love”. As we learn about God and ourselves. there are things to believe in, things we shouldn’t fear.