SCRIPTURE
"If only I knew where to find him; if only I could go to his dwelling! I would state my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments. I would find out what he would answer me, and consider what he would say to me." (Job 23-3-5)
OBSERVATION
Job wanted his day in court. He wanted the opportunity to state his case before God. It would go something like this: "I am blameless and upright and yet you have caused these tragedies in my life for no apparent reason. My friends say it is because I'm a sinner. I'm receiving my due. However, you and I both know otherwise. I want you to declare my innocence and deliver me from these horrible events."
Job was either a man of integrity or an idiot. God already gave his verdict. In 1:8 he said, "There is no one one earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil." So Job could make this complaint, to stand before God, because there would be no specific charges God could level against him that would have precipitated the hard times in Job's life. Job wanted justice to be served.
APPLICATION
I, on the other hand, would be an idiot. I would not dare state my case before God. I know the dark spots of my heart and so does he. I would not want to find out what God would answer me. He would render a verdict of "guilty" on my life were it not for Jesus. So instead of pleading for justice, as in the case of Job, I plead for mercy. Job wanted what he deserved. I don't want what I deserve. It's not about my own merits but because, in Christ, I have received a pardon from the death sentence that I had incurred. I admire Job's boldness but I must humbly stand behind the cross.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for the mercy you have shown me in Jesus.
