Job 8-9 - Round 1: Bildad & Job

This week’s message examined Bildad’s harsh response to Job’s suffering and Job’s struggle to reconcile his pain with God’s justice. Unlike Eliphaz, who spoke with some diplomacy, Bildad wasted no time in condemning Job, wrongly assuming that his suffering was due to sin—especially the sins of his children. His rigid view of retribution theology left no room for grace, compassion, or the mystery of God’s sovereignty.

Job, in response, acknowledged God’s power but wrestled deeply with His justice. As his despair grew, he longed for a mediator—someone to stand between him and God. This longing foreshadowed the ultimate Mediator, Jesus Christ, who would come to reconcile sinners to God. In our suffering, we are reminded that while we may not always understand God’s ways, we have an Advocate who intercedes for us, offering both justice and mercy through the cross.