“…I would appeal to God…” Job 5:8a
/It seems Eliphaz would have been better to start his response to Job’s lament with chapter five, instead of charging head-strong into the accusations found in chapter four. Did he regret his previous words? Whatever-the-case, we have a beautiful description of God as our advocate and defender through Eliphaz’s poetic depiction of Heaven’s King.
After stating an obvious universal truth that man is born to trouble (see yesterday’s vignette), Eliphaz offers another obvious word of advice, stating: “…I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before Him.” Then, in a moment of inspiration, he dispatches one of the most memorable descriptions of God found in the Bible. Eliphaz was trying to boost Job’s faith by reminding him of the following characteristics of God:
“He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.” (v.9)
“He bestows rain on the earth, He sends water upon the countryside.” (v.10)
“The lowly He sets on high, and those who mourn are lifted to safety.” (v.11)
“He thwarts the plans of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success.” (v.12)
“He catches the wise in their craftiness, and the schemes of the wily are swept away.” (v.13)
“Darkness comes upon them in the daytime; at noon they grope as in the night.” (v.14)
“He saves the needy from the sword in their mouth; He saves them from the clutches of the powerful.” (v.15)
“So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts its mouth.” (v.16)
“…He wounds, but He also binds up; He injures, but His hands also heal.” (v.18)
When we appeal to God, we are doing what comes naturally to obtain what God accomplishes supernaturally. When a person of faith appeals to God, s/he does the possible, to see God do the impossible; doing the ordinary through faith in Him, revealing God’s power to accomplish the extraordinary.
Today’s passage challenges us to consider our personal view of God. Is He able to meet your most desperate need? Are you confident in His ability to work on your behalf? Pray to Him in faith and lay your life needs before Him, trusting Him to work things out for you.
Have a blessed day…