The Storm Is Coming: Awe, Arrogance, and the Foot and a Half
listen to job 35-37
Reflection…
As Elihu closes his speech, we feel the pressure shift. A storm is building on the horizon—both literally and spiritually. And in the middle of Job’s pain, Elihu does something many leaders struggle to do: he points away from himself and toward God.
These chapters mark a transition from debate to divine encounter. But first, we must walk the foot and a half between our own understanding and the majesty of God’s ways.
When We Lose Perspective (Job 35)
Elihu addresses something Job has said in frustration—that righteousness seems to bring no reward. Elihu challenges this, not by attacking Job personally, but by pointing upward:
“Look at the heavens and see; gaze at the clouds so high above you.” (35:5)
He reminds Job that God is not indifferent—He is higher. Bigger. Beyond.
Here’s a critical leadership principle:
Perspective is everything. When we get stuck in our own experience, we lose sight of the bigger picture. The foot and a half gap here is between what we feel is happening and what God is actually doing behind the scenes.
When We Need to Remember Who’s in Charge (Job 36)
Elihu begins to describe the character and power of God:
“God is mighty, but despises no one; He is mighty, and firm in His purpose.” (36:5)
“He delivers the afflicted by their affliction.” (36:15)
This is a leadership reality: God doesn’t waste suffering. He teaches through it. Grows us in it. Leads us with it. The very thing we wish would stop may be the tool God is using to shape us into the kind of people who can lead with integrity and wisdom.
But Elihu doesn’t stop with theology—he begins pointing to the sky, where storm clouds gather.
When Awe Restores Alignment (Job 37)
Elihu’s voice rises as thunder approaches. His tone shifts from teaching to trembling:
“Listen! Listen to the roar of his voice… He unleashes his lightning beneath the whole heaven.” (37:2-3)
“The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power; in his justice and great righteousness, he does not oppress.” (37:23)
This is the climax of Elihu’s speech—and it’s not about Job. It’s about God.
Sometimes the best leadership move is to get out of the way and let people encounter God’s presence for themselves. Awe is often a better teacher than argument.
Leadership Lessons from Job 35–37
Perspective humbles pride: Look up before you speak out.
Don’t waste the waiting: Affliction may be the classroom of the soul.
Point others to awe, not answers: Leadership is about revealing God, not replacing Him.
Let the storm speak: Sometimes God’s power shows up not in explanation, but in presence.
Takeaway: As Elihu wraps up, he reminds us that the foot and a half isn’t just the space between head and heart—it’s also the space between us and God. Leadership happens best when we stop pretending to control the storm, and instead invite others to stand in awe of the One who does.
