Job 32:2 (NRSV) Then Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became angry. He was angry at Job because he justified himself rather than God.
On the surface of this story between Job and his friend Elihu, we see what might be an early example of friends holding each other accountable. But what if Elihu’s anger with Job is because he believes his friend is reinforcing superstitious beliefs about God—or superstitious beliefs about privilege?
I appreciate Elihu’s focus on God, but it is entirely possible that this comes from self-interest, not devotion to God. After all, if I have a place in this story—as a white, middle-class American—it is surely as one whose house is “safe from fear.” Many friends (for many reasons) are not as safe from fear as I am.
It is good to point to God, but for me to point to God as more than diversion, I must learn to be less safe. I must risk stepping up and other times stepping back for the flourishing of God’s other children. Christ’s love calls me out from behind every wall that offers protection to me at the expense of my neighbor.
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