Job 36-37

In the Whirlwind: God Speaks Through Suffering

Bible Passage: Job 36, Job 37

Summary: In Job 36-37, Elihu proclaims God's sovereignty and majesty, reminding Job that suffering can lead to divine revelation and understanding of God's purpose. Through presenting God as powerful and just, Elihu urges Job to see beyond his pain to the greater wisdom of God.

Application: This passage encourages Christians to trust in God's wisdom during trials, reminding them that their suffering may serve a higher purpose. It challenges the audience to reflect on how they perceive suffering and to open their hearts to learning from God amidst their difficulties.

Teaching: The sermon can teach that God’s ways are higher than ours, and that in times of suffering, it's crucial to seek God’s voice rather than become consumed by despair. It emphasizes the importance of humility and vulnerability before God when faced with trials.

How this passage could point to Christ: In this passage, Christ is foreshadowed as the ultimate mediator who reveals God's heart and purpose in suffering. Just as Elihu speaks to Job, Christ offers us understanding through His own suffering and gives meaning to ours, leading us to redemption.

Big Idea: God’s voice often resonates in our struggles, calling us to humility and deeper trust in His plan, especially in times of suffering.

Recommended Study: As you prepare your sermon using Logos, consider exploring the historical and cultural background of the Book of Job to enrich your understanding of Elihu’s perspective. Look into the grammatical aspects of Hebrew terms used in these chapters, particularly words expressing God's majesty and purpose. Finally, researching commentaries on Job could help you unpack the doctrinal implications of suffering and God's sovereignty as reflected in Elihu's speech.

1. Justice in the Journey

Job 36:1-16

You could begin by discussing how Elihu emphasizes God's justice and mercy, outlining His care for all creation and asserting that He uses suffering to guide individuals into greater wisdom. This could enhance the congregation's understanding of suffering as a tool for divine revelation, encouraging them to trust in God's higher plans for their lives.

2. Humility in Hardships

Job 36:17-33

Perhaps you can highlight Elihu’s assertion that God is beyond human reproach and question. Elihu points out how God warns and educates through suffering, using His wisdom to draw us closer to Him. This section can encourage listeners to embrace a posture of humility and openness to divine lessons amidst trials.

3. Majesty in the Midst

Job 37:1-13

A suggestion here is to elaborate on Elihu's awe at God's power in nature, portraying Him as majestic and sovereign. By viewing natural phenomena as reflections of God’s strength, individuals can see their sufferings as opportunities to witness God's greatness and cultivate faith amidst life's storms.

4. Trust in Trials

Job 37:14-24

Maybe encourage the audience to consider Elihu's call for Job to acknowledge God's unfathomable ways. It's an invitation to trust in God's purpose, moving from despair to faith. This point can inspire believers to see Christ’s suffering as the ultimate revelation of God’s love and plan for humanity.