07 March 2008

Deliverance through Affliction?

I'm trying to figure out Elihu's role in Job, and the more I consider, the more I think he is a voice of truth speaking into Job's life, not in continuity with but in contrast to, Job's others three "friends." Elihu still, I think, retains some of the problematic assumptions of the other friends--such as in 36:8-9--but in light of 32:1-5 and the fact that he is omitted from God's rebuke at the end of the book, and that much of what he says does seem to provide a healthy corrective to what Job has listened to (and contributed himself) thus far, I do think he is generally a voice of truth, not folly.

Anyhow, I noticed the following verse today (from the mouth of Elihu), which, I think, encapsulates the core of the paradox driving Paul in 2 Corinthians. A lesson contrary to the mindset in ancient Corinth, modern America, and one I feel like an infant in.

He delivers the afflicted by their affliction and opens their ear by adversity. (36:15)

There is a deliverance in this fallen world that comes not by avoiding or overcoming affliction but by going through it.

The ultimate instance: Christ's cross.

When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply
The flame shall not hurt thee, I only design
Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine

3 comments:

  1. I never noticed that. Some today might rewrite it to say, "He delivers the afflicted FROM their affliction in such a way that being delivered BY it is unthinkable."

    Thank you!

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  2. My dear Great Dane! What an encouragement to read through your blog! Your Exodus five comments below have stuck with me for days.

    I've been thinking of you a lot lately, as Christopher is now 15, and Jack 13, and I think you were probably 14-15 back in the old days when we did our bible study. I pray daily (or at least groan daily) that God would work in my sons' lives like he has yours.

    Your heart for the Lord inspires me!

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  3. Hi Dad and John, thanks for the comments. I miss you too John--didn't know you ever poked your head in here. Hard to believe your boys are my age when we met together for rgfleg. They are sons to be proud of. I look back with fondness on those days.

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