Out of Options

Daily Reading:  Job 9-10

Though I am in the right, I cannot answer him; I must appeal for mercy to my accuser. (Job 9:15)

Devotional Thought: A recent gerrymandering case before the Supreme Court was not heard due to a "lack of standing."  If there is no concrete injury to the plaintiff, then he/she has no right of appeal to the Supreme Court.  No matter how 'right' their argument may be, the court will not hear it.  Justice must be found through a different means.

Job had fallen prey to that age-old problem: "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death" (Proverbs 14:12). Try as he might, Job could not justify himself.  No matter what he said, the truth was still the same: "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).  Because of that sin, Job lacked standing before God.  He was the offender and not the offended!  But, as Job struggled through his afflictions and misery, he came to realize something much more important and life-changing than standing: "I must appeal for mercy to my accuser!"

Because of our sin and regardless of our self-justification, we too lack standing before God.  But, thanks be to God!  When we lack standing, God's love still stands!  We can - nay we must - appeal for mercy to our accuser!  Then we will discover what Isaiah wrote centuries after Job: "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon" (Isaiah 55:7).

Prayer: Thank you, O Lord, for your mercy that endures forever.  I do not appeal to my own righteousness, but only to your mercy.  Like the sinner in Luke 18, I lift my eyes to heaven and pray, "God be merciful to me!"

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 119:121-128

121 I have done what is just and right; do not leave me to my oppressors.

122 Give your servant a pledge of good; let not the insolent oppress me.

123 My eyes long for your salvation and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.

124 Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love, and teach me your statutes.

125 I am your servant; give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies!

126 It is time for the LORD to act, for your law has been broken.

127 Therefore I love your commandments above gold, above fine gold.

128 Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right; I hate every false way.