For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Titus 1
I see the same problem in each of the churches to or about which Paul wrote. Every one of them suffered disruption by those who called themselves followers of Jesus but who insisted on ‘Jesus and…’. In every case Paul reasserted the truth that not only is Jesus enough, anything added to Him takes away from Him. It’s a genuine case of “less is more”! The fact is that anything that is not God cannot save. That leaves Jesus, whether as faith in the promise before His time on earth or as faith in the person after, as the only option. As Paul wrote to Timothy, “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Tim. 2:5).
Job 36-37
How does Elihu’s argument differ from those of Job’s three comforters? Elihu, more than the others, was angry in defense of God. He was angry at Job for demanding an audience with God so the he could state his case. After a lengthy discourse of God’s might, Elihu said, “Tell us what we should say to Him; we cannot draw up our case because of our darkness.” (Job 37:19). He saw Job’s assertion of innocence as rebellious pride. Also, Elihu depicted God’s judgment as correction rather than punishment. He stated, “God is mighty, but despises no one” (Job 36:5a). Further, he told Job directly, “He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction” (Job 36:16a).
He summed both of his arguments up by saying, “The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power; in His justice and great righteousness, He does not oppress.” (Job 37:32). I can’t say that I disagree with Elihu’s arguments. However he still arrived at faulty conclusions. It certainly gives me pause as to how to respond when faced with something that doesn’t make sense to me. Rather than throwing accusations and judgments at others, I need to seek wisdom and understanding from God.