Job maintains he is innocent

The Book of Job Chapter 9

Job speaks to his friends and says he knows all is true in principle (God will not reject a person of integrity, nor make evildoers prosper), but he wonders how a person can be declared innocent in the eyes of God? If one wanted to take God to court, it would be impossible because he is so wise and mighty and nobody could challenge him. Job describes how God can move mountains, shake the earth and command the sun not to rise and the stars not to shine. God alone marches on the waves and his works are marvelous to understand and he performs miracles without number.

Yet, says Job, when God comes near, I cannot see him nor see him leave. And if he sends death, who can stop him? Who dares to question God? And God does not restrain his anger. So who am I to try to reason with God? Even if I am innocent, I have no defense and could only plead for mercy. Even if I summoned him and he responded, he would never listen to me. He multiplies my wounds without cause and fills me with bitter sorrow. Though I am blameless, it would prove me wicked. I am innocent and I despise my life. God destroys both the blameless and the wicked.

My life, says Job, passes more swiftly than a runner and it flees away filled with tragedy. If I decided to end my sadness and be cheerful, I would dread all the pain God would send. Whatever happens, I will be found guilty, so what's the use of trying? God is not a mere mortal like me, so I cannot argue with him or take him to trial. If only there were a mediator who could bring us together, then I could speak to God without fear.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: Job knew that the wicked ultimately perish, but his situation confused him. Job didn't think his life warranted such suffering, so he wanted his case presented to God. He recognized that arguing with God would be futile. Job did not claim to be perfect, but he did claim to be good and faithful and did not reject or curse God.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? Job seems to be saying that in spite of his good life, God is determined to condemn him. As his punishment continues, he becomes more impatient. Job remained loyal, but made statements he would regret. During periods of prolonged pain, it is natural for people to doubt or despair or become impatient. During these times, we all need someone to listen and help us work through the frustrations. This chapter shows the importance of friendship. I hope you can see that you need to be a friend to people in this situation. Your patience will help them greatly.

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH:
Update on my niece Suzanne, she is healing but her leg was crushed and will take many months of doctoring. She is in a nursing home for rehab care. Pray for her healing. Also Gabe, Wanda, Pray for Janice Long’s parents, especially her mother who faces another round of chemotherapy and her father with Alzheimer’s and now her mother in law also with Alzheimer’s. Their family is feeling the strain both emotionally and financially. Pray for them. Update on this family: Her mother-in-law is being taken to Oklahoma to live with an aunt who will care for her.
Pray for Arlene’s nephew David and for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life.
Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer.
Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with MS.
Pray for Cyndi Sullivan who made it six years with cancer but may now go home with hospice in her final days.
Pray for my cousin Diane who had total mastectomy surgery for breast cancer.
UPDATE on Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, she has her speech back and is home , but continues to have a problem with one arm and hand. Thanks to your prayers, she is able to hobble without a cane and has been granted disability. She still has surgery scheduled on her hand, but I saw her recently and her attitude is fantastic.
Pray for Robert Sargent who is quite ill with lung cancer.
Pray for Judy’s husband who was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. Pray for her too, that she can deal with the side effects of his illness.
Pray too for Charly’s husband Robert who is undergoing chemo for his prostate cancer.
Pray for John’s recovery from a heart attack and for the doctors who have difficulty diagnosing his other symptoms.
Pray for James’s sister Cynthia whose chemo has lost its effect as the cancer grows powerful.
Pray for another friend named Carolyn whose faith remains strong, but is lost and confused about where and how to spend her elder years.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, survivors of Japan’s earthquake, survivors of the devastating tornadoes in our southernmost states and Joplin, Missouri. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.