“Let us learn together what is good.” (Job 34:4 NIV)
Elihu was a young man who had sat on the sidelines of Job’s story and listens for thirty-one chapters. Up until this speech, Elihu had held his tongue out of respect for his elders. The sentences of Job and his friends had not yet found right conclusion, so finally the young man interjected his observations. “Let us learn together what is good.”
Rob and I recently accepted a pastorate of a small church in rural Texas. We have a handful of faithful people, many already mature in the Lord. Still, they need a pastor. (Two, to be precise. 😉 ) They need leaders and direction and enthusiasm (Greek: inspiration or possession by God) It is humbling, in our forties to take the reins from older, wiser believers. But we know we are called to this church, to this task, to this community. And I love Elihu’s words: respectful and invitational. “Let us learn together what is good.”
Let us learn together honors the experience and perspective of the older generation, acknowledges the naivety and exuberance of youth and creates a path to pursue God cooperatively.
We are always learning in our relationship with God. He is so powerful, full of wisdom, infinite, omniscient, vast and incredible – the men who lived hundreds of year did not know Him entirely. Perhaps this is the intent of eternity – that we would have enough time to get to know God fully? To adopt any posture other than that of a learner is likely foolishness.
“Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me Your paths Guid me in Your truth and teach me, for You are my God my Savior, ad my hope is in You all day long.” (Psalm 25:4-5 NIV)
We are invited to be lifelong learners in our relationship with the living God. Jesus reinforces this when He tells His disciples about the Teacher yet to come.
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all tings and remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26 NIV)
The Lord has graciously made allowances for our ignorance. He has given us grace and tools and room to grow. We grow best when we grow together. Together provides insight, accountability, stability and structure. Isn’t this the picture of the early church?
“Everyday they continued to meet together in temple courts. They broke bread in their homes with sincere and thankful hearts, praising the Lord and enjoying the favor of all people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:46 NIV)
Lord, it is a privilege to learn about You. May we embark on this adventure together. May our development be cross-generational; young and old alike learning to delight in all Your ways. Amen.