“For He is not a man, as I am that I may answer Him, and that we should go to court
together. Nor is there any mediator between us, who may lay his hand on us both.” (vv.32-33)
Back in
chapter 8 Job’s friend Bildad rebuked him for denying his sin and challenging
God’s judgment upon his life. Here in chapter 9 Job protests the idea that a
man could possibly challenge God, let alone His justice: “For He is not a man
that I should answer Him, and we should come together in judgment. Neither is
there any mediator between us, who may lay his hand on us both.” While Job felt
helpless with no one to argue his case, his fear and respect of the LORD caused
him to endure his trials without cursing or denying God.
The LORD
takes us all through tests (maybe not as drastic as He did Job), not to punish
us but to strengthen our faith. He also promises us He will not test us above
what we are able (1 Corinthians 10:13) meaning, not beyond what He has prepared
us to endure. And, unlike in Job’s day, today there is a mediator, one who can
lay his hand on both God and man, one who stands before the throne on our
behalf both day and night, whom the Father hears and grants mercy too - the man
Christ Jesus (1 John 2:1).
Not all
trials are related to sin in our lives, as the story of Job reveals. However,
sin can lead to a multitude of difficult consequences that can cause pain and
suffering. If you feel yourself drowning in your own consequences call on Jesus
and ask Him mediate your case before God.
The Truth: “My
little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if
anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And
He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for
the whole world.” (1 John 2:1-2)
