Monday, September 17, 2018

Devotion - Monday, September 17

I continue to read from Job.  It is the aim of this book to be an aid in understanding why bad things happen.

In the book, there are three elderly, wise men who come to Job.  In the opening scenes, they simply sit with Job and say nothing.  From this, a writer by the name of Martin Marty took the title of his book - "A Grief Observed."  Sometimes, the best thing we can do in the face of the unimaginable is simply sit with the one who is grieving and observe.  They are often the one (as is the case with Job) who speaks the words worth hearing.

Toward the end of Job, another voice is added.  This is Elihu.  His words begin with an acknowledgement that he has not spoken earlier, because he is young.  He honors his elders, allowing them to be the ones who express wisdom.

But, Elihu is frustrated.  He has not heard wisdom.  And so he begins to speak.

In the letters of Paul, we hear encouragement for another young adult.  Paul tells him, "Do not let them despise you because of your youth."  As is spoken by Elihu, it is not years which bring wisdom but a willingness to listen and to be truthful.

There are things which we learn over time.  And it takes time (years) to master the content in many of your classes.  But wisdom does not elude you;  do not be fearful of speaking of what you know and what ought to be known.

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