Job: The Grace of God

Job 33

A young adult shared some great quips with me. I think they are funny, but I recognize that what I find humorous may not always align with anyone else’s sense of humor!

• The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it back into your pocket.
• For Sale: Parachute. Only used once, never opened, small stain.
• If, at first, you don’t succeed, skydiving is not for you!
• Borrow money from a pessimist. They don’t expect it back.

Here’s a wise quip that I believe Job would appreciate after his three friends repeatedly claimed that his sins had caused the unimaginable calamities he faced.

• Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just leave me alone!

It is reasonable to assume that Job’s attitude likely reflected this sentiment: “Just leave me alone!” However, another individual felt compelled to speak to Job and took his turn. His name is Elihu, and he is a bold young man I introduced last time. We will continue exploring his message to Job. In Job 32-37, Elihu presents three important statements about God. As noted earlier, his demeanor often hinders communication. However, Elihu raises valid points. Job has finished responding to his friends and has expressed accusatory feelings toward God. Elihu’s words serve as a buffer between a defiant Job and God, who will ultimately address Job, beginning with this leading question:

Job 38:2-3 Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? ³ Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me.

Elihu has listened to Job and his friends. He has taken notes and spent time reflecting. He decides to emphasize these three truths:

• God is gracious.
• God is just.
• God is great.

Today, we will examine Elihu’s first point: God is gracious. Remember that Elihu recorded his observations and the conversations he heard while Job interacted with his friends. His strategy is to reference Job’s words when forming his argument.

Job 33:8-14 Surely you have spoken in my ears, and I have heard the sound of your words. ⁹ You say, ‘I am pure, without transgression; I am clean, and there is no iniquity in me. ¹⁰ Behold, he finds occasions against me, he counts me as his enemy, ¹¹ he puts my feet in the stocks and watches all my paths.’ ¹² Behold, in this you are not right. I will answer you, for God is greater than man. ¹³ Why do you contend against him, saying, ‘He will answer none of man’s words’? ¹⁴ For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it.

Job never claimed to be pure or sinless, nor did he assert that there was no iniquity within him. All three friends’ interpretations of Job’s defense contrasted with his argument that his current predicament was not due to obvious wrongdoing. Elihu continues to insist on repudiating Job’s point. Elihu contends that God sometimes allows suffering to deter us away from sin. While we recognize that not all suffering comes from God, we understand that we live in a sinful world. At times, our circumstances are the result of others' actions. The opening verses of Job reveal that Job’s plight was not caused by his sin. Therefore, let’s think through Elihu’s argument more closely.

Job 33:14-18, 29-30 For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it. ¹⁵ In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, while they slumber on their beds, ¹⁶ then he opens the ears of men and terrifies them with warnings, ¹⁷ that he may turn man aside from his deed and conceal pride from a man; ¹⁸ he keeps back his soul from the pit, his life from perishing by the sword.   ²⁹ Behold, God does all these things, twice, three times, with a man, ³⁰ to bring back his soul from the pit, that he may be lighted with the light of life.

Elihu argues that pain serves to protect and teach us. He observes that God uses trials to “bring back [our] soul[s] from the pit” and enlightens us so we can change our behavior. Is Elihu correct? Is there a place in Scripture that supports this principle? In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul describes an experience related to heaven. He was unsure whether he was taken to heaven or had a vision. However, he confirmed that what he saw were things that “cannot be told, which man may not utter.” This extraordinary encounter could have resulted in a sense of pride for Paul. See what happened next.

2 Corinthians 12:7-9a So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. ⁸ Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. ⁹ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

We don’t know what the “thorn” was, but Scripture clearly indicates that God allowed Satan to inflict the ailment. God permitted the “thorn” to prevent Paul from becoming arrogant and boastful. That was the purpose, yet a promise follows: God said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Let’s pause and reflect on what is happening here. God allowed Paul to witness things that were too marvelous for words—things that “cannot be told,” revelations that were exceedingly great. This vision was a gift. However, such a significant event could tempt Paul to become prideful. Therefore, God permitted Satan to afflict Paul as he had with Job—though not to the same extent. On three occasions, Paul pleaded for the condition to be removed. But God determined that Paul should endure the “thorn” to protect him from self-importance and to teach him that relying on God’s grace was sufficient and that his power would work through Paul’s weakness.

2 Corinthians 12:9b-10 Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ¹⁰ For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 

While Elihu was mistaken about the reason for Job’s suffering, he was correct regarding God’s work in our lives. Sometimes, God allows challenges to humble us and remind us of our dependence on him. Pain sharpens our focus more than anything else. We recognize our helplessness and turn to the only One who graciously provides us with his strength and comfort. Perhaps that is what God is doing in your life. Remember, God is gracious—even amid your pain.  PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD Read Job 33. What does Elihu teach you about God in this chapter? Talking to God Pray for God to help you recognize how he is working in your struggles and how you can rely on his strength. Have Questions? Be sure to send your questions to our team. We are happy to assist you as you explore God's Word. Submit your question below, and we'll reply soon. And if you don’t know where you stand with Jesus, we would love to have that conversation with you.