IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB - Elihu Highlights Jehovah's Kindness

 Above all, Elihu spoke in defense of Jehovah God. Powerfully he summarized a profoud truth:  "It is unthinkable for the true God to  act wickedly, for the Almighty to do wrong!  . . . The Almighty does bit  pervert justice." (Job 34:10, 12)  As an example of Jehovah's merciful justice, Elihu reminded Job that Jehovah had not stepped in and punished Job for uttering rash and disrespectful words.  (Job 35:13-15) And rather than pretending to have all the answers, Elihu humbly acknowledged:  "God is greater than we can know." - JOB  36:26. 

Though his counsel was frank, Elihu remaied kind.  He spoke of a wonderful hope, that Jehovah would one day restore Job's health.  God would say of his loyal servant:  "Let his flesh become fresher than in youth; let him return to the days of his youthful vigor."  Another instance of Elihu's kindness:  Instead of simply lecturing Job, he kindly invited Job to speak to answer him.  "Speak," he said, "for I want to prove you right." (Job 33:25, 32) But Job did not answer. Perhaps he felt no need to defend himself aganst such kind, encouraging counsel.  Perhaps he wept in relief.

We can learn a great deal from both of thse faithful men. From Elihu we learn how to counsel and comfort those in need.  A true friend  will not hold back from pointing out a serious fault or a danderous couse of action.  (Proverbs 27:6)  We want to be a friend like that, remaining kind and encouraging to those in need, even when they speak rashly. And when we ourselvles are in need of such counsel, Job's example may remind us to listen humbly to counsel instead of dismissing it. All of  us need counsel and correction. Accepting it can save our life. - PROVERBS 4:13.

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB - "Out of the Windstorm" 

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