Discover His heart: He sent a mediator to reconcile mankind to Him
When labor and management are in a dispute over wages or work conditions, the atmosphere can get tense and volatile. Fortunately, individuals are brought to the table with the ability to negotiate the terms of a contract between the two parties to bring them together. These mediators are highly gifted in this arena and do their best work when they have the complete trust of both parties. The best mediators have the keen ability to make both sides feel as if they won – now that’s a talent. In our reading today, Job was looking for someone who could do this very thing – Job was looking for a mediator.
@ Job 9
“God is not a mortal like me, so I cannot argue with him or take him to trial. If only there were a mediator between us, someone who could bring us together.” (32-33) Poor Job had presented to God his side of the conflict as best he could, but from his standpoint, negotiations for relief were going nowhere. First of all, he couldn’t see God, “Yet when He comes near, I cannot see Him. When He moves by, I do not see Him go.”(11) Job did not have an experience to hold on to like Moses did where God’s presence was seen in a tangible way. Secondly, Job felt inadequate to talk with God, “So who am I that I should try to answer God or even reason with Him?”(14) Job wanted a qualified mediator who was worthy to talk to God on his behalf, yet one who understood his pain. It certainly would not be any of his so-called friends.
We, on the other hand, are privileged to have a top-notch, highly-qualified, personal mediator working 24/7 to negotiate with God on our behalf. Our mediator lived tangibly on earth at one time and understands our pain, yet He lives in heaven and is seated right next to God – who better to mediate for us!
Our mediator’s great bargaining chip is that He was willing to die in order to bring both sides together, “For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone.” (1Timothy 2:5) Talk about a win/win situation! And Jesus still sits at the table, so to speak, mediating on our behalf should our communication with God break down, “But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins…” (1 John 2:1-2)
Job didn’t know that he was calling for the Mediator across the centuries of time who would one day come to bridge the gap between sinful man and a sinless God. Of course, God was listening to Job’s lament, spared his life and blessed him abundantly. But it was Jesus who ultimately negotiated for Job’s eternal life and for all of us as well by His death and resurrection. The work of the great Mediator made us worthy enough to one day see Him face to face and worship around His throne, and He’s still on the job!
Moving Forward: I’m so thankful today that I don’t need to negotiate my way into heaven – Jesus did it all!
Tomorrow @ Isaiah 23-28
Phyllis Benigas 