The Futility of Bildad’s Argument and the Hope of a Mediator
"Even the stars are not pure in His sight, yet He calls me righteous in Christ."
Bildad’s final words in Job 25 are brief, reflecting the exhaustion of the arguments of Job’s friends. His statement is not new, but it serves as a summary of their position: humanity, in its mortality and frailty, can never be righteous before God. He emphasizes the vastness of God’s purity and the insignificance of man, using celestial imagery to make his case—if even the moon and stars are not pure in God’s sight, how much less mortal man? Bildad sees Job’s cries for justification as folly, for in his mind, no human being can be declared righteous before such a holy God.
Yet Job has already admitted his own helplessness before God (Job 9:2, 14:4). The difference is that Job clings to a greater hope: a mediator, one who could stand before God on his behalf. Bildad’s words, though partially true, lack the fullness of God's redemptive plan. What Bildad fails to understand is that God Himself provides what man could never achieve—a righteousness not earned but given, a mediator not imagined but real.
A Personal Journal in the Holy Spirit’s Voice Through Scripture
Righteousness is not found in man’s striving, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Mortal man, born of dust, cannot cleanse himself. The nations are as a drop in the bucket before the Almighty, and even the heavens are not pure in His sight. But God, who is rich in mercy, has made a way—righteousness apart from the law, revealed in the Son. He bore the iniquity of many and made intercession for transgressors. He who knew no sin became sin so that in Him, man might become the righteousness of God.
The accuser points to man's frailty, but the Advocate stands before the throne. Who can bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, interceding. In Him, there is now no condemnation, no fear, no separation. He has reconciled those who were once far off, bringing them near by His blood. He is the mediator of a new covenant, whose righteousness is given, not earned, whose mercy triumphs over judgment.
(Scripture references: Romans 3:23, Isaiah 40:15, Job 25:5, Ephesians 2:4, Romans 3:21-22, Isaiah 53:12, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 8:33-34, Romans 8:1, Ephesians 2:13, Hebrews 9:15, James 2:13)
Prayer of Confident Trust in Christ
Father, I rejoice in the righteousness You have given me in Christ. The accusations of the enemy hold no weight, for my justification is not my own—it is Yours, sealed by the blood of Your Son. What a joy to stand before You without fear, knowing that the One who intercedes for me has already declared me righteous in His sight. I do not strive to earn what has been freely given; I simply receive, rest, and rejoice. The mediator Bildad could not see, the hope Job longed for—I know Him, and He is my life. Thank You, Father, for the gift of righteousness that is mine in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Photo Intent:
A vast night sky filled with stars, emphasizing the insignificance of man compared to the heavens, yet with a sense of wonder rather than despair.
Credits:
Insights from the Grace and Truth Study Bible. Photo credit: Unsplash.