1 Thessalonians 5:11 (KJV)

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (KJV)

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Let GOD be GOD

by Ray C. Stedman
(Edited from sermons on the book of Job)
Discovery House Publishers "2007"

The book titled "Let GOD Be GOD" by Ray C. Steadman was based on a

series of sermons he preached on the Book of Job. Ray Stedman offers his
understanding of what he believes God is telling us through the Book of Job.
My interest was captured in chapter ten and held through chapter eleven ,
covering the chapters of "32 through 37" in the Book of Job. This is where
Elihu speaks the “Word” that he believes was given him by the Spirit of God.
Is God speaking to us through the Book of Job and are we hearing God's
words ? Read Elihu's words carefully and consider if you believe God is
answering some of the important questions in our life. Why is God often
silent, when we need Him the most ? What is God's purpose for my pain
and loss ? Why does God allow the innocent to suffer ? Is there a redeemer
and life after death ?

Stedman, points out four important observations;
1) God does not rebuke Elihu,( NKJ; Job 38)
2) God does not condemn Elihu's messages,(NKJ; Job 38)
3) Elihu spoke with courtesy and sensitivity, (for 5 chapters)
4) Elihu claimed to speak from Revelation.( NKJ; Job 36:2-4)
He was convinced Elihu's message expressed the core theme of Job.

The beginning of Job Chap. 32, Elihu is saying that, he speaks according to

the urging of God Himself. Elihu wants only to speak according to the will
of God his maker and what God has taught him. Elihu delivers God's reply
to Job, thus we are hearing God's Word and this is the importance of the
book of Job. (NKJ; "Job (32:8)(32:18)(32:22)(33:4)”
Elihu claims authority, (NKJ; Job 36:2-4)

Elihu addresses God’s silence to Job; God answers, but not according to our

wishes or our time table. Elihu points out another reason for silence is God
does not listen to empty pleas and sometimes we are deaf to His voice,
because we do not want to hear the answer God is giving us.
(NKJ) (Job 35:12-14) Elihu suggests many ways of how God can speak

through; dreams, visions, events, painful circumstances, and suffering.
(NKJ)(Job 33:14-21)(Job 33:29-30)

Elihu (E li hu) states Jobs pain and suffering was not a punishment for hidden

sin. God is speaking through pain to get Jobs attention. Elihu is saying that
God is speaking to sufferers and actually uses our trials of suffering to open
our ears and to listen to what He is saying to us. (NKJ; Job 36:15)
Adversity could be your bridge for that closer relationship with God.

Job believes that there is a redeemer coming to give salvation and afterlife.

For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth;
after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God.”
(NKJ: Job 19:25-26) Elihu gives the prophecy of a Mediator, Redeemer,
Savior, Born Again, and the Afterlife. “ If there is a messenger for him,
mediator, one among a thousand, To show man His uprightness, Then He
is gracious to him, and says deliver him from going down to the Pit; I have
found a ransom; His flesh shall be young like a child’s, He shall return to the
days of his youth. He shall pray to God, and He will delight in him, He shall
see His face with joy, He restores to man His righteousness." (NKJ; Job:23-28)

1 comment:

  1. When a person is hurting, they need someone to listen and empathize. The person suffering needs to feel that they are not alone. Who could do this better then someone that can identify with their hurt. Someone who already experienced pain and suffering. God’s privileged gift of the “understanding of agony” does not come easy, but how precious a gift for us to be able to share with others. The book of Job teaches us that sometimes we suffer, because our affliction will be accomplishing
    God’s purposes. We also learn that our genuine faith is revealed only, when we serve and trust God in times of suffering. Job never stopped loving God through all his suffering. Jesus also continued to love God all through His suffering. When we continue to love God through our sufferings, then we have demonstrated genuine faith, and commitment to our Lord.

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