Job responds after Bildad’s opening comments.
” ‘Truly I know that it is so: But how can a man be in the right before God? If one wished to contend with him, one could not answer him once in a thousand times. He is wise in heart and mighty in strength – who has hardened himself against him, and succeeded? – he who removes mountains, and they know it not, when he overturns them in his anger, who commands the sun, and it does not rise; who seals up the stars; For he is not a man, as I am, that I might answer him, that we should come to trial together. There is no arbiter between us, who might lay his hand on us both.’ ” (2-5,7,32-33)
Though Job has a chance to correct Bildad or disagree with him, he chooses to revere God and humble himself. Job speaks a few examples of God’s infinite power, and compares himself to God – humbling himself by implying he is nothing and God is omnipotent.
Job’s observations in this chapter conclude with some statements regarding his “legal” standing before God (how he’s unworthy, and God has the right to judge him), and how he has no defense before God. Job even notes there isn’t anyone qualified to defend him before God – “there is no arbiter between us, who might lay his hand on us both” (v33).
This is one of the main reasons God sent Jesus to this world – to be the arbiter / mediator between us and God. “Therefore [Jesus] is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.” (Heb 9:15) “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.” (1 Tim 2:5-6)
The scriptures we’ve reviewed today are clear on several key points:
– God is holy, just, faultless, and all-powerful
– We were sinful and separated from God
– No mere man could reconcile / arbitrate / mediate our case before God
– God sent Jesus to mediate on our behalves
– Jesus’ death and resurrection fulfilled our legal requirement for death under the law
Rom 5:1 really summarizes this well: “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul is saying we are no longer at odds with God, because our faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection “justifies” us (makes us righteous) before God, so we are “at peace” with Him (reconciled, no longer condemned to die for our sin, pardoned of our crimes).
My encouragement for today is no matter what state you find yourself in, no matter how close you are to Jesus, no matter how many struggles with sin you’ve had over the last few weeks, Jesus’ actions on the cross have mediated your case and justified you before our most high and righteous God.
” ‘Yet even now,’ declares the Lord, ‘return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.’ Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.” (Joel 2:12-13)
Father God, our Righteous and Almighty Lord, we humbly bow before You. Father You alone stretched out the heavens and trampled the waves of the sea; You alone command the sun, and it does not rise. Lord, thank you for having mercy on us, who are sinners. Thank you for sending Jesus to be our arbiter and mediator, to reconcile and justify us in Your eyes. Please forgive us our sin, and restore us to a right relationship with You. May all people praise Jesus’ name, for the power of salvation which You grant us. All glory, honor and praise be to You, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training