IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

“where is God My Maker?”

Date: Aug. 8, 2023

Passage

Job 35:1-16

Elihu Condemns Job

35:1 And Elihu answered and said:

2   “Do you think this to be just?
    Do you say, ‘It is my right before God,’
3   that you ask, ‘What advantage have I?
    How am I better off than if I had sinned?’
4   I will answer you
    and your friends with you.
5   Look at the heavens, and see;
    and behold the clouds, which are higher than you.
6   If you have sinned, what do you accomplish against him?
    And if your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to him?
7   If you are righteous, what do you give to him?
    Or what does he receive from your hand?
8   Your wickedness concerns a man like yourself,
    and your righteousness a son of man.
9   “Because of the multitude of oppressions people cry out;
    they call for help because of the arm of the mighty.
10   But none says, ‘Where is God my Maker,
    who gives songs in the night,
11   who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth
    and makes us wiser than the birds of the heavens?’
12   There they cry out, but he does not answer,
    because of the pride of evil men.
13   Surely God does not hear an empty cry,
    nor does the Almighty regard it.
14   How much less when you say that you do not see him,
    that the case is before him, and you are waiting for him!
15   And now, because his anger does not punish,
    and he does not take much note of transgression,
16   Job opens his mouth in empty talk;
    he multiplies words without knowledge.”

Daily Bread

Key Verse: Job 35:10

But none says, ‘Where is God my Maker,
who gives songs in the night,

Elihu's third speech is addressed to Job. Certainly, Job was in great misery in many ways, but there is no reason why God should listen to Job or to anyone else. God is God. The world has a self-centered view that is essentially godless. We think about what we can gain, but we don’t consider God. Elihu reminded Job and his friends that human sins and human righteousness only affect other humans like ourselves. We don’t consider how sin affects God or what our sins do to him. Only the gospel guides us to this truth, since Jesus bore our sins on the cross.

People in this world are concerned about oppression but seek relief in the world. No one says, “Where is God my Maker?” It is God alone who gives relief where there is injustice and oppression. God does not answer the demands of the arrogant. He pays no attention to those who do not seek him. However, when we seek him, he teaches us and gives us songs in the night.

Prayer: Prayer: Lord, this world is always subject to oppression. Thank you for calling us to seek you and meet you in that place. Teach me your wisdom.

One Word: One Word: God gives songs in the night?

Daily Bread

God Stills the Conflict

Psalm 76:1-12

Key Verse: 76:6

At your rebuke, O God of Jacob,
both rider and horse lay stunned.

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Intro Daily