No Investigation Needed
Daily Old Testament Reading: Job 32-34
Daily Focus Passage: Job 34:21-24
A common new story that comes across the wire nowadays deals with the call for a committee to investigate something. Often, these committees have the task of searching for the truth through many layers of issues. The need for investigation exists because we are not all-knowing, all-powerful, or ever-present. Elihu waits his turn and speaks to Job about the character of the Lord and, in the process, declares that in the Lord, no investigation is needed because he is all-knowing, all-powerful, and ever-present. As Elihu speaks, we find that he presents several key theological principles to remember.
GOD SEES AND KNOWS THE WAYS OF HUMANITY
God never misses the events in the world. His eyes remain ever fixed upon his creation. The Lord sees the actions and intentions of the heart of all individuals. We often neglect to remember this truth and believe that we can live in disobedience without the knowledge of the Lord. The truth remains that he knows all and sees all. As a result, the Lord deals with people through a combination of his perfect justice, grace, and mercy. How does remembering that God sees and knows all challenge you to live in faithfulness?
NO ONE CAN ESCAPE THE VIEW OF THE LORD
Elihu declared that no darkness is deep enough for people to hide from the Lord. The attempt to hide from God occurs when we feel a sense of guilt and remorse for our disobedience before the Lord. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve attempted to hide from the Lord due to their shame. Though the Lord asked them where they were, he knew and sought to remind them that he saw them and that nothing could hide them from him. How do you become challenged to seek him openly when you think about the impossibility of hiding from God?
THE LORD RESPONDS TO PEOPLE IN GENUINE JUSTICE
The ever-presence of the Lord means that people live in a constant state of dwelling before God’s justice. The Lord responds in real-time according to his timing and deals with people in genuine justice. His judgments are not shaped by political, racial, or educational views but are holy and pure. He rules with authentic judgment because he provides the very definition of justice. When you realize the justice of the Lord is holy and pure, how do you battle to maintain that perspective?
THE LORD RESPONDS TO PEOPLE OUT OF HIS OMNI-CHARACTER
Elihu mentioned that the Lord sets people in their place. The omni-presence, omni-potence, and onmi-scient nature of the Lord cause us to see the genuine wicked nature of the flesh. His character reveals our deserved punishment and his great holiness. At the same time, his character brings encouragement because of his grace, love, and mercy. These become evident as the Lord withholds what we deserve and offers us deliverance. When you think about his omni-character, how much do you recognize your fleshly condition versus his holiness?
We may continue to hear rumors and stories about committees that currently investigate issues and the need for more committees to investigate. For God, no investigation is needed because he is all-knowing, all-powerful, and ever-present. He engages with genuine justice and uses difficulties to call people to repentance and strengthen their walk. As you deal with difficult moments, remember that the Lord knows and is able to bring forth his will for his glory amid any situation.
