Consider the freedom of God
Theological bias... questions in response to those who suffer?
Elihu says he spoke last because he is much younger than the other three friends, but says that age makes no difference when it comes to insights and wisdom. In his speech, Elihu argues for God's power, redemptive salvation, and absolute rightness in all his conduct. God is mighty, yet just, and quick to warn and to forgive. Elihu takes a distinct view of the kind of repentance required by Job. Job's three friends claim that repentance requires Job to identify and renounce the sins that gave rise to his suffering. By contrast, Elihu stresses that
real repentance entails renouncing moral authority,
which is God's alone. Elihu therefore underscores the inherent arrogance in Job's desire to 'make his case' before God, which presupposes that Job possesses a superior moral standard that can be prevailed upon God. Apparently, Elihu acts in a prophetic role preparatory to the appearance of God. His speech maintains that Job, while righteous, is not perfect. Job does not disagree with this and God does not rebuke him as he does Bildad, Zophar, and Eliphaz. After Elihu's speech ends with the last verse of Chapter 37, God appears and in the second verse of Chapter 38. God says, probably speaking of Job, “Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?"
The thrust is not merely that God has experiences that Job does not, but also that God is King over the world and is not necessarily subject to questions from His creatures, including men.
The point of these speeches, and ultimately the entire book of Job, is to defend the absolute freedom of God over His creation. God is not in need of the approval of His creation.
He is free.
I do not understand it!
It is not for me to understand.
Why, why we ask as if we have right too.
Does any thing made dictate to the hands that form it how it was to be made.
As an artist I have wondered if it could be so.
Could the creation of my hand tell me what it is to be formed into...makes it sound so permissible as if 'it' is in charge.
While 'it' in all actuality it is under the control of the one who is the creator of it.
NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND.
Sounds real pious even humble to give the creation credit for being so wonderful...
Where does the credit really go?
So, on the earthly side what a false humility to give away the credit for what we do.
Yet how arogant to take the credit for what God had done.
It is His freedom to do it in whatever way it is to be done.
Clay don't have a right to argue.
At best it could just explode in the kiln.
It is going to get fired whether it wants to or not.
Bisk (first fire when clay turns white and it is rough) is one thing,
but being hard fired is the beginning of the process.
The beauty comes in the colorful glaze...layer upon layer fired over and over again till the depth is accomplished.
I been real angry at the kiln, in the kiln.
Too scared (or smart) to be angry at the potter.
Sometimes we just suffer silently.
We may be afraid or pained.
We want to avoid getting surrounded by the comforters who think they know the mind of God.
So ignorant are we for we all have fallen victim of such theology.
Somehow He just must find pleasure in the feel of the clay.
Love the way the glaze makes me look but hate the feel of the fire.
Suppose it can get real tempting to resent it.
To get all mad about it.
God is God
God is free to just be God
He needs no permission to just BE
The I AM is, and that's that.
3 comments:
Donetta~
Thank you so very much for this post. This week I heard a preacher speak on Job and the part of him questioning God - but the way it was presented and the fact that it was one sermon in a series(so did not come to a good conclusion) left me feeling really down and I just did not understand what he point was. But after reading this - I get it. Thanks so much!
God bless,
Lisa :o)
Wisdom.....this is so wise. God has refined you "but He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come out like Gold." Job 23:10
I've often been asked if I've asked God why and my response of "no" brings puzzled looks from most. It's not my job to know why, I am comforted that He is in charge, much more capable than I, and HE KNOWS WHY. Which means there is always a reason.
God is SO good. Yes. :) Perhaps you've put in the best words why suffering brings me to silence...in silence I do not question Him.....to avoid the well meaning comforters who wish to know the mind of God and provide answers to questions I have no need to ask.
His hand is never closer than when He is pruning us or shaping us for His use.
Bless you.
I LOVE YOU!!!!!
great post for ME to be read. something and you know what they are I wonder if I well really will understand.
LOVE YOU SO MUCH.....
Hugs~
Annette
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