February 2--Evening
February 2—Evening "He shall deliver thee in six troubles."
Eliphaz, the Temanite, though he took a wrong and cruel line of argument with Job, nevertheless, in the course of his reasoning, uttered some grand things: we will read two passages of his first speech. In the first, he shows that weak and erring man must not question the wisdom and justice of God's actions.
Job 4:12-21 In comparison with God what are men or even angels? Angels have but finite wisdom, and where their wisdom ends folly begins; theirs is not sinful folly, but such as ever must be in creatures when compared with the Omniscient One. Even angels know but little in comparison with God. How then can we think highly of frail beings, who from day to day are dying, and are so accustomed to see each other turn to dust that they think nothing of it? How can a mere insect like man, who is moreover foolish and sinful, dare to call in question the doings of the Eternal God?
Job 5:17-27 In our second extract Eliphaz teaches us not to repine under divine chastisements, for they will be blessed to our highest good.
Job 5:17 Be not averse to it, rebel not against it, ascribe it not to anger, and do not disregard it as if it were a trifle.
Job 5:18 The same Lord is in both our afflictions and our consolations, and he arranges that the one shall be surely followed by the other.
Trouble may roar upon us, but it cannot devour us. It may vex us, but it shall not do us real harm. If we suffer a perfect number of trials we shall also have an all-sufficient degree of grace.
Job 5:21 a mercy indeed
Job 5:23 The Great Masters dogs will not bite his friends.
Job 5:25 The Friend of the father will be gracious to the children.
We have not only been told this, but we have assured ourselves of it—"We know that all things work together for good to them that love God."
Why should I doubt his love at last, With anxious thoughts perplex'd? Who saved me in the troubles pass'd, Will save me in the next.
Will save, till at my latest hour, With more than conquest bless'd, I soar beyond temptation's power, To my Redeemer's breast.