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Job 9: How can a human being be right before God? (Day 41)

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.

Pray

Pray

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.

Reflect

Daily reflection: Job 9

Will Job’s faithfulness to God survive terrible suffering? Satan doesn’t think so. Surely Job only worships God because of the blessings of family, wealth and health he’s received? It’s not just an accusation against the genuineness of Job’s faith, but an assault on God and his worthiness to be honoured and glorified simply because he is God, rather than for the benefits he brings us.

God allows Satan to test Job’s faith and take everything except his life from him. Job does not curse God as Satan predicted; instead he begins a long, heart-rending struggle to understand what is happening to him and what this reveals about the sovereign and just God he worships. Perhaps you can identify with Job’s struggle?

Believing that God is both in control and just, Job’s friends are convinced he must be guilty of sin. Meanwhile, Job knows he’s innocent, so why is this happening? In chapter 9, Job grapples with his questions: the only one who is capable of vindicating him is God. But it’s God who is allowing him to suffer, ‘… if it is not he, who then is it?’ he reasons (verse 24).

However strong his case, he knows it would be no contest against God in his supreme power and majesty (verses 5–10). All he can do is ‘appeal for mercy’ (verse 15). If only there were someone who could intercede for him (verse 33) …

In our suffering, as we bring God our questions, we can take comfort in the amazing knowledge that God has sent his one and only son to intercede for us. Jesus suffered willingly and undeservedly, dying in our place so that we can stand before God and be counted righteous. The same God who allows undeserved suffering, pours out undeserved grace and promises us eternal life with him.

Pray

Pray

God, thank you that I can come to you when I am suffering. You are the only true source of comfort. Thank you for the hope I have in Jesus and the grace you’ve lavished on me. Help me to stand firm in the face of suffering and praise you because you are infinitely worthy.


This reflection was written by Esther King, Digital Communications Officer at Bible Society

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