- And shall I wait, because they do not speak, because they stand there, and answer no more? Job 32:16 – Imagine sitting there this whole time just watching and listening to this whole conversation happen between Job and his three friends but not being able to speak up or say anything. Culturally Elihu did what was right and waited for the older people to have their time, then did what was right and spoke up as well. We too need to make sure we are speaking up and standing up when no one else does. Maybe some injustice is taking place or a friend is walking towards something harmful. Sometimes it’s not our place to step in, but if we see no one else stepping up or saying anything, then we must be ready to if that’s what God is laying on our heart to do. Sometimes our silence is needed yet other times it’s our voice that needs to be heard. Keep prayerful about which is needed in certain situations and be available to speak if that’s what God leads you to do. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1484
- For I am full of words; the spirit within me constrains me. Job 32:18 – Elihu finally speaks. Who is Elihu you ask? Apparently he was another guy sitting with Job and Job’s three friends during this whole back and forth debate. He was much younger though than the other four in the room so he stayed quiet letting the older men speak as a sign of respect. Yet, after listening to the back and forth dialogue and seeing that it was going nowhere, and with the words Elihu thought should be said not being said, Elihu explodes with words and anger. He speaks for six chapters straight, not giving space for anyone to respond or speak. He has the longest speech out of anyone in the book, including God himself. Finally though, Job and three friends had something to agree on, this kid was out of line. Let us take note of how we speak, when we speak, and what we speak when we do speak up. We’ll touch on the content of Elihu’s speech over the next few days, but here, let us learn that sometimes stillness and silence are needed. Speaking up isn’t always the wisest option. This isn’t giving us an out when God is calling us to speak into a situation, it’s reminding us that sometimes God is calling us to remain quiet. If anger, lack of respect, or pride is the fuel behind the speech, it would be better to remain silent. Let us not tear down one another with our words or give our Savior a poor representation with our speech. Be willing to listen to the Spirit’s lead on such things. If He says speak, then speak. If He says be still, be still. Allow your habit to be a searching of His leading. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2657
Daily DEVO 