2019-5-30

Job 9
As Job speaks in chapter 9, his words are filled with images of a courtroom. He does not claim to be sinless, but he wants his day in court because he believes he is innocent of the kind of sin that warrants the suffering he is enduring. At the end of this chapter, he wishes for a mediator to help him – someone who could argue his case in God’s court. Again, he does not declare himself sinless, but wishes for help in proving himself innocent of sin that equals this level of suffering.
Nestled in this chapter in verses 5-10 is a beautiful hymn about God’s greatness, but Job is not blessed by it. He continues to voice passionate complaints against God. He does not see God’s goodness and justice in God’s power. By verse 15, Job sees no recourse but to plead for God’s mercy. He does not know God’s higher purpose in his suffering. Yet, he continues to refuse to abandon or curse God.
For me, reading of Job’s misery is painful. But I know that God sent His only Son, Jesus, who chose to endure the horrific punishment of the Cross, to take the eternal sting of suffering and death away. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be our Comforter in times of great angst. I am reminded to look only to Him, for nothing else can sustain us through the difficulties of this life. Christ is the Almighty Judge – the one who has forgiven my sin by His death on the Cross. All Praise and Glory are due Him.           —- Mary Mauderer