Bible Pathways 06/17/2003
June 17
Read Job 9 -- 12
In Today's Reading:
Job acknowledges God's justice; his weariness of life; Zophar's accusation; Job's affirmation of faith in God's wisdom
All of us will benefit by listening carefully to the spiritual discernment of Job, whom God said was blameless and avoided evil (Job 1:1).
Job, a man of remarkable spiritual insight, realized that life was difficult and often filled with misery regardless of whether one is righteous or unrighteous. His friend Bildad's response to Job was critical and cynical. He assumed that everything Job said proved him to be a hypocrite. Bildad believed that God had appointed suffering only for sinners (7:1,3; 8:2,6) and, since Job was suffering intense physical pain, loss of all wealth, and the death of his children, he concluded that Job must be a sinner.
Bildad also concluded that those who enjoy good things in this life are righteous and that all suffering is the result of sin. But, in the New Testament in a parable given by Jesus, the rich man who built bigger barns to enjoy his prosperity was not righteous and did not please the Lord (Luke 12:18,20). Another time, Jesus revealed that a man who was born blind was not so because of either his or his parents' sin, but that God might be glorified (John 9:2-3).
During this time of suffering, Job's patience and faith in God led him to experience deep, spiritual maturity. As he recognized God as far superior to himself, he spoke with confidence that the loving care and wisdom of God had given him life. He also knew that, in comparison to God, he was mere clay in the hands of his Creator. Consequently, Job knew he was not qualified to speak to God and he even longed for a qualified mediator (Job 9:32-33; 10:9,12). Job expressed the desperate need for a mediator, someone who would stand in the gap between this holy God and sinful man.
Our Lord Jesus Christ is the only Mediator Who can restore sinful man's broken fellowship with the holy God (Romans 5:8-10; I Timothy 2:5). By accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we now have access to the Father through our Mediator Jesus Christ, Who appears in the presence of God on our behalf (Hebrews 9:24; 7:25).
Christ Portrayed:
Through the daysman (mediator) Job longs for (Job 9:33). Christ is the only Mediator between God and sinful men (I Timothy 2:5).
Word Studies:
9:9 chambers = constellations; 9:34 rod = chastisement; 10:11 fenced = knit; 11:6 exacteth = demands; 11:14 tabernacles = tents; 11:19 make suit unto thee = seek your favor; 12:19 spoiled = stripped.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Jim Gilley and the Bible Pathway Radio Broadcasts on WMCT-AM, Mountain City, TN · BPM Staff: Mary Kay Wagner · Government Officials: Rep. Marcy Kaptur (OH) and Rep. John Murtha (PA) · Country: Gambia (1 million) in West Africa · Major languages: English and Mandinka · Religious freedom · 87% Muslim; 10% animism and ancestral spirit worship; 2% Roman Catholic; .7% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Pray in faith and the Lord will answer (Mark 11:24).
Optional Reading: Galatians 6
Memory Verse for the Week: II Timothy 3:17
