Bible Pathway - June 17, 2011
Read Job 9:1-31
Highlights:
Man needs a Daysman (Mediator) (Job. 9:33). Jesus is ours (I Tim. 2:5). Learn the Truth: both the wicked and the righteous suffer (Job chap. 10). Zophar says misfortune is sent by God to punish sin (chap. 11). When innocent, Job's defense is our defense (12:4,9-10,13).
Bildad was noticeably less sympathetic than was Eliphaz. He critically attacked Job, saying: How long wilt thou speak these things? And how long shall the words of thy mouth be like a strong wind? (Job 8:2).
Bildad was misled by the same false principle expressed by their companion Eliphaz, that severe sufferings are caused by gross sins. As is often the case, this legalistic "religious" comforter became a critic. He proceeded to reprove and denounce Job as a mere talker, a vain and lying boaster, and as a self-righteous pretender of perfection. In striking contrast, God said of His servant: That man (Job) was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed (avoided) evil (1:1). We are led to see that religious people who express unkind criticism of others do Satan's work and impose added suffering to saints who need comfort. Those who boldly express their own opinions as if they were the Lord's authoritative judge on earth, often misunderstand the methods God uses to deal with His disciples.
Job confessed that the Lord's dealings with him were beyond his ability to comprehend. When he said: Lo, He goeth by me, and I see Him not, Job was expressing assurance of the presence of God, even though he could not visibly see Him. He is not a man, as I am, that I should answer Him, and we should come together in judgment (9:32).
Zophar went on to say: Oh that God would speak, and open His lips against thee (11:5). God did open His lips and speak, but it was against these critics when He emphatically told Eliphaz: My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of Me the thing that is right, as My servant Job hath (42:7).This can only mean that the counsel and conclusions of this man and his friends were merely human, self-righteous reasoning and not of God.
As Christians we can sense the presence of God — not only in our trials but also in our day-to-day activities. Although we cannot see Him, we know, through faith, that He is with us. God may never reveal a reason for our trials, but we should never question His actions.
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths (Prov. 3:5-6).
Thought for Today:
The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether (Ps. 19:9).
Christ Portrayed:
Through the daysman (mediator) that Job longs for (Job 9:33). Christ is the only Mediator between God and (sinful) men (I Tim. 2:5).
Word Studies:
9:33 daysman mediator; 9:34 rod chastisement; 10:11 fenced knit me together; 11:6 exacteth demands; 11:14 tabernacles swellings; 11:19 make suit unto thee seek your favor; 12:19 spoiled stripped and plundered.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Mary Kay Wagner • Government Officials: Rep. Marcy Kaptur (OH) • Country: Libya (5 million) in North Africa • Major languages: Arabic and Italian • No form of Christian witness to Libyans is permitted • 98% Muslim; 2% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Ask for the blessings of God upon your family and home (II Sam. 7:29).
Optional Reading:
Memory Verse for the Week:
Acts 2:21
