JesusOurMediator

This morning as I was studying out of Job 9, I found myself crying as I read Job's response to his friend. I could not believe I was crying, but I found that I had said the same things as Job or felt the same feelings. I cannot say I have been in a position where I've lost nearly everything dear to me, but yet I felt a closeness to this Biblical character from years gone by. The most amazing thing happened as I read each emotion, the Holy Spirit dropped into each scenario a New Testament scripture or principle which seemed to answer the feeling expressed.

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For instance:

Job's thoughts in Job 9:13 - God does not restrain His anger.

God however, pours out mercy on the just and the unjust alike. To be merciful, God must be able to restrain His anger. We tend to look at God the way we would BE GOD if given half a chance. For instance, if we were God, the unjust would immediately be toasted...second chances would be rare, and long periods of patience would be non-existent...but God is patient, full of mercy and compassion and...can hold His anger for centuries!

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Job's thoughts in Job 9:15 - Even if I were innocent, I could only ask for mercy

Only ask for mercy?! Mercy is extremely important.

Hebrews 4:16 says this: "Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."(NAS)

We are to come boldly...having that freedom to speak...knowing we WILL receive mercy in our time of need. This is a benefit of being under the new covenant!

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Job's thoughts in Job 9: 16-34 - Even if I asked for help, you wouldn't respond. I can't even catch my breath before you hit me with more misery. You laugh and make fun of the innocent in despair...Apparently you have found me guilty, so why struggle...I hate my life. Even if I cleaned up, you would just throw me back into the slime pit. Is there anyone who would arbitrate between me and God...someone who can get Him to ease up on me! If there was someone like that, then I could speak my mind.

I Timothy 2:5 says this "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men"

Yes...we do have a mediator who has already given His life for us!.

Romans 8:26-28 "In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;
and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."

Not only is Christ the Mediator between us and Father God, He intercedes for us constantly. Add to that the work of the Holy Spirit and His intercession for us, we can be confident all things will work together for our good! He responds to our every call...He's not forgotten us!

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In the face of discouragement, despair and lack of direction, the Holy Spirit is here to comfort and direct.

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It was just a few nights ago, our 16 year old daughter was taking home a friend who lived in the country. As long as she had someone in the car who knew the way, everything was fine. It became apparent as she left to come home, she did not know the way. After making several turns this way and that way, managing to get totally lost, she phoned home to get directions from her Dad who speaks "roadeese". Unfortunately, he was not acquainted well enough with country roads to be of any help. "Call 911...they have all the county maps and should be able to get you pointed in the right direction." So, our very embarrassed daughter phoned 911 and they eventually got her headed back to the house.

It's a very lonely and frustrating feeling to be lost on a dark night in the middle of nowhere! I must imagine Job felt the pull of darkness and despair. But Christ became our mediator...He (Christ) didn't leave us without help...The Father sent us His Holy Spirit to direct us and intercede for us. There is something comforting knowing someone is watching out for us and constantly has our best in mind at all times.

Job was hopeless and all alone, but we are never alone. He said He would never leave you or forsake you. That is good news!