Jesus taught that, in true communion, we ask for God’s will before we ask for our daily needs.
Remarkably, although Job is like a pugilist fighting off not one but two feisty combatants, he still has his wits about him. The first section of his response to Bildad (ch 9) begins with a portrait of God (vv 1-20), and then a self-portrait of Job the man (vv 21-31). What follows is a longing for someone who could be a meeting-place between God and man, a mediator (vv 32-35). What a remarkable solution! Now Job doesn’t immediately discount all of Bildad’s harsh words. He begins, “Truly I know it is so” (Job 9:2). What exactly is he agreeing with? There’s no question that “God is wise in heart and mighty in strength” (v 4). And it’s also unquestionable that man doesn’t measure up to His holy standards. “But how can a man be righteous before God?” (v 2). Jesus will answer that question, of course. In addition, “Who has hardened himself against Him and prospered?” (v 4). Only a fool would think he could fight against God and win. Job now expressively portrays the God we are engaging. He is irrepressible. Mountains are nothing before Him (v 5). In fact, the whole planet shivers when He shows up (v 6). He commands the sun and controls the stars (vv 7-9). He “spreads” and “treads” like no one else (v 8). In fact, He is inscrutable. “He does great things past finding out, yes, wonders without number” (v 10). You’ll never figure Him out. And to make matters even more challenging, God is invisible. “If He goes by me, I do not see Him” (v 11). But here’s the real problem, says Job. He is incomprehensible. “Who can say to Him, ‘What are You doing?’” (v 12). I wouldn’t know what to say to Him (vv 14-15), and wouldn’t know if He were listening (v 16). Is this engagement with God impossible? Stay tuned!