Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, prepare me to receive your word. Clear my mind and warm my heart. Assure me of your loving purposes for me, and speak into my life today.
How do you feel when people refuse to listen to and believe you, no matter the arguments or evidence supplied in your defence? In today’s chapter, Job – feeling misjudged and patronised – lets his frustration show and delivers a withering assessment of his friends’ advice.
Do they think they know more of God’s greatness, power and wisdom than he does? ‘I am not inferior to you,’ he says (verse 3) and sets out to prove it. Their so-called profound understanding of God’s sovereignty is common knowledge. ‘In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind’ (verse 10). Even the beasts, birds, fish and plant life know that God is in control (verses 7–9)!
What kind of friends are they to treat Job like a joke and kick him while he’s down (verses 4–5)? They’ve become fixated on his presumed guilt, refusing to consider any other explanation for his suffering. He challenges them to put his words to a proper test (verse 11). If suffering is only for the wicked, why do criminals live in peace and security (verse 6)? Why does God see fit to bring low so many esteemed counsellors, kings, judges and priests (verses 13–25)? Might God’s ways be more complex than they imagine?
If prosperity and health are no indication of righteousness in God’s sight, how can Job know that he is acceptable to God? The only one who can answer this question and declare Job innocent is God and that’s why Job wants to bring his case before him.
Have you ever been misrepresented by others? Thankfully, our accusers don’t get the final say. God has given the authority to judge to Jesus (John 5.22) and he's not only our judge but our saviour. ‘There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus’ (Romans 8.1). This is incredibly good news!
Lord Jesus, I come to you as my judge and saviour. Thank you for dying in my place and extending grace instead of condemnation.
This reflection was written by Esther King, Digital Communication Officer at Bible Society.
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