Day 148

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Elihu Joins the Conversation

Scripture

May 27—Job 32-34: Job's First Answer from Elihu

Observation

Deep in depression and apparently no nearer to a solution to his problem, Job would hardly appear to need yet another "counselor." But Elihu, younger than his contemporaries, has been listening in courteous silence to the hurtful rather than helpful words of Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar. Now Elihu declares his evaluation of the situation in four lengthy monologues. Job has repeatedly affirmed his innocence, but Elihu reminds hin that God sometimes uses pain and adversity to get man's attention and turn him from the path of destruction. Elihu reaffirms God's perfect justice, and calls for Job to confess his sins of pride and rebellion.

Application

Have you ever noticed certain phrases nearly everyone seems to use, but no one seems to believe? Statements like:
  • "This is going to hurt me more than it hurts you."
  •  "It's more blessed to give than to receive."
  •  The grass is always greener on the other side."
Take the first statement. Does it really pain the parent more than it does the child when discipline must be administered? Does God agonize when he must bring painful consequences upon his erring children? To find out, read the last twenty verses of Job chapter 33. Then tonight, spend a few minutes with your children or parents talking about the role of discipline in your life: why it is important, why it is painful, why God sometimes has to discipline parents as well as children.

Prayer

We thank you, Almighty God, that prayer and loving obedience to your Word create the right amount of discipline to sustain your refinement and polishing of us for your glory and they are the answer to all things in this life. We praise you for all the blessings of discipline received from your hand—refine us O Lord. In Jesus name we pray! Amen!

The Fiery Refinement of Discipline


© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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