January 21st

Job 8:1-11:20

Job and two of his friends, Bildad and Zophar, described men as nothing impressive, and they described God in lofty but accurate terms. For example, Bildad said, “We were born but yesterday and know so little. Our days on earth are as transient as a shadow. Such is the fate of all who forget God. The hope of the godless comes to nothing” (8:9, 13, 14).

Zophar echoed Bildad’s sentiments with the grandeur of God and the trouble men have with understanding Him. “Can you solve the mysteries of God? Can you discover everything there is to know about the Almighty? Such knowledge is higher than the heavens, but who are you?” (11:7, 8).

Job’s response was appropriate, recognizing God’s infinite qualities and man’s inept ability to measure up to Him. “Yes, I know all this is true in principle, but how can a person be declared innocent in the eyes of God? If He sends death to snatch someone away, who can stop Him? Who dares ask Him, ‘What are you doing?’ If only there were a mediator who could bring us together, but there is none” (9:2, 12, 33).

Job’s comments mirror some of the words
of the Old Testament prophets, namely Isaiah and Jeremiah. Isaiah said, “All of us have become like one who is unclean; all our righteous deeds have become like filthy garments. All of us wither like a leaf; and like the wind, our wickedness takes us away” (64:6). Jeremiah said, “The heart is more wicked than all else; it is desperately sick. Who understands it?” (17:9).

These verses, along with Job’s search for a mediator to stand between God and men, foreshadow one of the purposes of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. He is the only mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5). He is “the Bridge” who connects two paths — God’s and man’s — and brings them together. Christ was fully divine and fully human, therefore, He is able to sympathize with and reconcile us to one another.

Daily Reflection

So many blessings happened at the cross, but one in particular was that Christ mediated or made a way to God for you, despite your sin. Have you recognized this truth, and have you taken time to thank Him for it?

Why is Christ’s mediation necessary? Why can you not represent yourself before your Maker? What would be the result?

On your own, you are unworthy to enter God’s presence; but with Jesus standing in the gap for you, you are made right with God.

Jesus said to them, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me” (John 14:6).

BiAY.org | Day 21 — 344 Days to Go