Daily Devotional | Job: No Relief

In high school, I played on the football team. During the off season, the coach would have us lift weights. He had one strict rule when bench pressing. “You must have a partner to make sure you can get the heavy weight off your chest if needed.”

Job was looking for one of his friends to help him with the heavy weight that God had laid upon him (v. 7). Instead, they exalted themselves above him and used his humiliation against him (v. 5). Job had concluded that God had purposely caused the loss and pain in his life. Although, he was not sure why God has done this, he was confident that God was angry with him (v. 11). As a result, he had been disrespected by his servants (v. 15) and little children (v. 18). He had become offensive to his wife (v. 17).

It is easy to understand Job’s emotional hurt. All he wanted was genuine emotional support from his friends (v. 21). It is here that Job pivoted in his argument. First, he desired that his words, which his friends despised, be recorded forever (vv. 23–24). I wished he could hear me say, “Job, they were recorded! They are in God’s Word for all eternity!”

Second, he stated that he knows that his Redeemer lives and that one day he will see Him with his own eyes (vv. 25–27). Job had insight regarding the Redeemer, His coming, and Job’s own resurrection. To this I say, “Amen, Job!” Our Redeemer, Jesus Christ lives! He is coming back for us! He has secured our resurrection! We will see Him with our own eyes!

Job has given his friends (and us) a theology lesson. In chapter 9, Job desired an arbitrator. By chapter 16, Job knows he has an advocate. Here he declares, confidently, that he has a Redeemer. If only his friends would listen!

Go Deeper

How is Jesus our Arbitrator, Advocate, and Redeemer? Why do each of those roles make a difference to us?

Pray with Us: Lord God, You are indeed our Advocate and Redeemer! Job knew it, and we know it! We are safe in You. “What a fellowship, what a joy divine,/Leaning on the everlasting arms.” (Showalter & Hoffman, 1887)

BY Eric W. Moore

Eric Moore is Professor and Chair of the Applied Theology Field at Moody Theological Seminary. Eric is graduate of Michigan State University, Dallas Theological Seminary, the University of Michigan, and Western Seminary. He is the author of Pastoring the Small Church and a contributor to the One Volume Seminary (Moody Publishers). He has pastored Tree of Life Bible Fellowship church for over two decades. Eric and his wife, Marilyn, live in southeast Michigan and have three children.