Wednesday, 16 January 2013

A snippet of Elihu, Job and suffering





So when you are considering consoling a grieving friend, will Elihu be of help to you? What will he teach us today? Will it be wise tenderness, will it be compassion and wisdom, like “Jesus with skin on”.


When my friend’s tears fall; when my friend is overwhelmed with grief, what can I learn from Elihu? And what should I avoid at all costs?
ELIHU, THE MAN

  1. Some regard his contribution as long-winded and self-opinionated.  Mind you, he does mention himself a great deal.
  2. Elihu is a good listener. He let them have their say without interruption. He paid attention (Job 32:12).
  3. He obeyed protocol, but he cannot wait any longer to speak. Elihu gained our respect by waiting.
  4. Elihu is courteous and he gave the older men their place and time.
  5. Elihu seeks to give some glory to God. He takes no credit for his wisdom (Job 32:8). He is not claiming special revelation as Eliphaz did.
  6. Brash or Bold? Many see Elihu as brash, ego-centric with nothing of relevance to say. It can also be said that Elihu is bold enough to challenge the received wisdom of the day.
  7. Elihu is passionate. He must speak (Job 32:20).  He isn’t dull or merely academic. He means what he says even if he isn’t all together right. He is no dull preacher.
  8. Elihu doesn't flatter.
  9. Elihu is wordy in the extreme: it takes him 24 verses to say: “Look out, I’m going to speak”.
  10. Elihu pleads his integrity (Job 33:3)
  11. He seems conscious that he is a fellow creature and does not see himself to be any better than Job.  Knowing our own weaknesses will lead us to humility and gentleness in approaching others.
  12. Elihu is young.
  13. Elihu is angry with Job and with his three friends. He counsels from a heart filled with anger which can be dangerous.