May 15, 2009

• Elihu

  Who, exactly, was Elihu? He appears suddenly, at the end of the dialogue between Job and his three friends. Neither Job nor God ever referred to him. He has been the subject of many debates among scholars, yet his presence in Job's story offers many insights.

  First, Elihu demonstrated that God can speak through anyone. At a time when young people were not encouraged to speak, this young man felt compelled to share what God had shown him, and he had the courage to speak out.

  But perhaps the most important insight about Elihu was his sense that he couldn't withhold the words that were in his heart, for he was "about to burst." Unable to contain himself, he felt it necessary to speak in order to "get relief." He felt compelled to speak and act, even though he realized others might reject his words, simply because of his young age and lack of experience.

  This is a picture of how God sometimes speaks to us. If He wants us to say or do something, He may cause us to experience this kind of pressure or burdenâan urge we cannot contain, even in circumstances where we naturally might want to remain silent.

  Cody after his surgery.  Prayfully the surgery will help him keep his food down and he will start gaining weight.
  
  

  • 7:17 am
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