The book of Job might just be my favorite book in all the Bible. And a great character in the book is a young man by the name of Elihu. He held his peace for 29 chapters while Job and his 3 friends hashed it out but got nowhere. In chapter 32, he can't hold back any longer, and he speaks up. And the arguments he makes are based solely on the righteousness of God. Job 36:2-3 Suffer me a little, and I will shew thee that I have yet to speak on God's behalf. I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.
What I'd like for us to consider briefly today is a statement he makes in Job 33:13 Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters. (see Daniel 4:35 for a cross-reference.
Did you get that? Here it is, plain and simple. God does not give account to us. He does not owe us an explanation. He is under no obligation to answer any of our questions. We have no business striving with Him.
Period. Case closed. End of argument.
Now, it's easy for me to say that at this moment. My life's going great. And the fact that Elihu wasn't the one sitting in dust, clothed in sackcloth, scraping his boils with broken pottery beside the graves of his 10 children made it easier for him to make this statement than it was for Job to accept it.
But I believe it would do us well to use the good times to make preparation for the bad times by firmly settling and establishing this truth in our hearts and minds. He giveth not account of any of his matters.
God is in total control (Daniel 4:17). He holds this universe together (Hebrews 11:3). Nothing escapes His grasp (John 10:29). Known unto Him are all HIS works from the foundation of the world (Acts 15:18). He works all things after the counsel of His own will (Ephesians 1:11). And all things – good and bad – work together for good to those that love and trust in Him (Romans 8:28).
He doesn't answer to us. We answer to Him. He doesn't give account to us. We give account to Him. He demands of us (Job 38:3; Job 40:7). We don't demand of Him.
The comfort comes not only in the fact that He has all power but that He exercises that power in our best interest, according to His perfect knowledge (Job 36:4; Job 37:16). And though He's probably not going to answer our question, "Why?" He does offer all the grace and mercy we could ever need.
Hebrews 4:14-16 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
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