“God is not a mortal like me, so I cannot argue with him or take him to trial. If only there were a mediator between us, someone who could bring us together. The mediator could make God stop beating me, and I would no longer live in terror of his punishment. Then I could speak to him without fear, but I cannot do that in my own strength. [Job 9.32-35]
If only...
Although it appears Job replies to his friends and then also directs words to God (prayer?) there still seems to be something missing. Job makes very clear that he is in need of a mediator!
At first, it can be derived that Job is in need of Jesus. Of course that is a prophetic view that may be taken from this story. However, what if Job is needing a "friend" to mediate on his behalf? Up to this point (through today's OYCB reading), Job's friends have only suggested that Job pray rather than praying themselves for Job.
Here is what Job's friend Bildad suggested:
But if you pray to God and seek the favor of the Almighty, and if you are pure and live with integrity, he will surely rise up and restore your happy home. [Job 8.5-6]
Although the verse above is true, where is the actual help in it? What if Job's situation is beyond his ability spiritually, physically, and emotionally to pray for himself? Who, after experiencing the tragic losses Job has just suffered, is in their right mind? Job was right to say he needed a mediator! The two of his friends who have addressed him up to this point seem to think Job's problems are his problems and none of their own. With friends like that, who needs enemies?
Father, regardless of what else I take away from this year's reading through the book of Job, please help me to see the absolute necessity of being a true friend to those in need around me! Help me to pray for them as if I were praying for myself!
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