Job 8-9

“Behold, he passes by me, and I see him not; he moves on, but I do not perceive him” (v11).  Job’s friend Bildad thinks that disasters are God’s punishment; therefore, Job should simply repent, and things will return to normal (ch 8).  But Job doesn’t think he deserves these punishments, and further, it’s impossible to argue with God (9:2). “If it is a contest of strength, behold, he is mighty! If it is a matter of justice, who can summon him?” (9:19).  Job longs for an “arbiter” to stand between him and the Almighty (9:33).

God does not answer all our questions, but nor does He remain at a distance.  He comes close to us in our suffering, as Jesus our mediator and friend (Titus 2:5).