This chapter has a mixture of elements – Job laments how miserable his friends are at comforting him, and how God has made an enemy of Job. Yet, there are these hopeful verses near the end of the chapter.
“O earth, cover not my blood, and let my cry find no resting place. Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and he who testifies for me is on high. My friends scorn me; my eye pours out tears to God, that he would argue the case of a man with God, as a son of man does with his neighbor.” (v18-21)
Despite lamenting about the horrible circumstances God has allowed, Job remains hopeful, painting this interesting picture – even though Jesus is not yet on the scene, Job says “his witness is in heaven, and He who testifies on Job’s behalf is on high”. This is an apt description of Jesus – the one who pleads our case before the Father, interceding on our behalf, clothing us in His righteousness, justifying us in the eyes of the Father.
“Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” (Heb 7:25) “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” (1 Jn 2:1) “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,” (1 Tm 2:5)
Do we have this same belief? Do we believe Jesus is at work right now, advocating to the Father on our behalf? We’re in some pretty trying times right now – all of us are affected by this pandemic to one degree or another, and there’s only one who has the power to advocate to the Father on our behalf – Jesus.
Just as Job didn’t know why God allowed him to suffer, we’re not 100% sure why God’s allowing us to suffer now (though we can hypothesize a few reasons). What can those who are suffering (or those interceding on their behalf) do in this trying time? Call out to Jesus, and ask Him to intercede on our behalf. We know God doesn’t want people to suffer, because He loves us, so He will hear our pleas for relief. We merely need to trust, ask, and obey, and He will see us through this.
Father God, our righteous and holy God, we Your people humbly come before You today. Father, we know You alone are the source of peace, healing and comfort, so we call upon Your name. Jesus please advocate on our behalf, for we have sinned against the Father. Holy Spirit, please pray to the Father on our behalf, for our words are insufficient. Father may You be glorified in this ongoing situation, and may Your abundant love be made known to everyone through the works of Your hands. All honor, glory and praise be to You, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training