RPG Adults
MAN’S HOPELESS CONDITION
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20
Job 9:1-15
Psalm 8
“…trust in the mercy of God
for ever and ever.”
MAN’S HOPELESS CONDITION
Job replied to Bildad’s exhortation, agreeing that God is always right and just. Fallen sinful man has no hope of ever justifying himself before God. God’s law shows man to be a sinner without hope (Job 9:2; Rom 3:20). Job was not protesting that he was innocent of sin but only that he did not deserve such severe punishment.
God’s wisdom is so great that man cannot argue with Him on even one subject with any hope of winning. Spiritual wisdom can only come from the Lord as He alone has understanding of hidden things (Job 9:3; Prov 2:6). Not only is God’s wisdom unfathomable, but His power is so great that no man can resist Him (Job 9:4; Isa 40:26).
This power will be fully shown at the final judgment. God will then demonstrate His anger at sin by shaking the entire universe. He had done this in a limited sense by the flood and the plague of darkness in Egypt (Job 9:5-7; Isa 13:13).
God’s righteousness and power can be clearly seen in creation (Ps 19:1-2). Modern man often refuses to consider these things but, in ancient times, men were amazed at God’s revelation of Himself in creation (Job 9:8-10). Only a fool will say that there is no God (Ps 14:1; 53:1).
As Job considered the greatness of God, he recognised man’s inability to meet with his Creator. As it is, there is no reason for God to stop as He passes by. There is no way to address so great a Being. Job recognised that man’s only hope was to throw himself at God’s mercy (Job 9:11-15). He could truly say with the Psalmist that when he considered God’s greatness as displayed in creation, it is amazing that God would even take notice of such an insignificant sinful creature as man (Ps 8:3-4).
Like Job, we must recognise that it is only because of God’s mercy that sinful man has any hope. With the Psalmist, we can rest in God’s eternal mercy (Ps 52:8).
THOUGHT: Why does God pay attention to man?
PRAYER: I praise Thee, Father, for Thy mercy endures forever.