R³ Devotional - Day 5

January 5th, 2025
by Micheal Serres

R³ Devotional - Day 5 from Job Chapter 9

Job chapter 9 is an excellent reflection of the importance of a mediator between us, as humans, and God. Job acknowledges God’s wisdom and strength, but also recognizes that God is too powerful and distant for mortals to understand. While Job wished for a mediator, we have that mediator in the form of Jesus Christ who also gave us an intercessor in the Holy Spirit.

Real: Life Principles: What truths or principles are found?

God’s Power: Job spends a lot of this chapter acknowledging God’s almighty power. He describes it as being able to move mountains, command the sun, and that God alone spreads out the heavens. Ultimately he is acknowledging God’s absolute authority over all of creation.
Human Frailty: Despite Job’s innocence in this particular scenario Job understands that he cannot argue with God. He states that he would not win a single case against God because God’s wisdom and power are so far beyond human comprehension.
Job’s desire for a mediator: Because he understands his own frailty compared to God and that he cannot argue his case against God, he expresses his wish for a mediator. Someone who could judge his case and reconcile him with God. We have that mediator that Job wished for in Jesus Christ who took on the punishment meant for us.

Relevant: Life Applications: How can this be applied?

We need to put our trust in God. It can be easy to overlook God’s power and wisdom as we encounter struggles in our lives such as grief, financial struggles, struggles with raising children, or even depression. However, during these low points of life, we must trust that God will guide our path if we let him.
We need to understand and remember that we are all sinners. We all deserve punishment from God but through Jesus, we are made right with God. A blessing that those in the time of Job did not have as clear as we do.
We need to understand Jesus sacrifice. The mediator that Job desperately wished for came to us in the form of Jesus Christ who stood before God and took on the full punishment for us so that we could be made righteous. Without Jesus, we have no bridge to God.

Ready: Life Actions: How can this be action?

Seek God's guidance in daily decisions. Understand that we can’t control everything and choose to rely on God’s wisdom and plan for our lives.
Seek truth in scripture. Regular reading and meditating on scripture helps us understand God’s character and promises which strengthens our trust in him.
Gratitude. Focus on the good things in your life and acknowledge God’s provision, even in challenging situations.
Prayer. Talk to God openly about fears, concerns, and desires and trust that He hears them and cares about them.