“I need someone to mediate between God and me, as a person mediates between friends. For soon I must go down that road from which I will never return.” –Job 16:21-22 (New Living Translation)

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Our text grants us some insight into the deplorable condition in which Job found himself. For he was at the lowest point in his existence surrounded by friends who rendered him very little to no emotional support. According to the testimony of his conscience, he was innocent. Desperation was sinking in and he was losing hope. Had Job forgotten the sovereignty of God? “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” –Isaiah 55:8-9

Yes, he was once known to be a man of reputable character, abundant wealth, good health and had a beautiful family. Yet perhaps now that God had allowed Satan to strip Job of everything the blessing of Lord was becoming increasingly more difficult to roll off his tongue. For at the beginning of his suffering he spoke with confidence, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” –Job 1:21

Our text indicates a revelation Job received of one of the sure benefits Christians would have in the future. For at this point, Job desired a mediator. Someone who would intervene on his behalf to reconcile himself to God before his body gave up the Spirit. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.  –1 Timothy 2:5

Do you feel lonely today? Do you feel as if no one understands? Do you feel forgotten?

Friend, I want to encourage you to be of good cheer. Take courage and persevere. For there is one who understands! His name is Jesus the Christ. He is nearby if you should choose to call on him. Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested. –Hebrews 2:14

Often times God will allow fiery trials and testing to come our way because he is refining us, sanctifying us and preparing us for a deeper intimate fellowship with himself even if that means bearing provocation in this present earthly life. For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. –1 Peter 2:21

He is our High Priest rooting us on every step of the way. You are not alone “but now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for He is the one who mediates for us a better covenant with God, based on better promises.”–Hebrews 8:6

And God can be trusted to keep his promises. His track record is without blemish.

For God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through? –Numbers 23:19

Like Job, may we speak with resounding faith in the midst of our trials “but he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.” –Job 23:10 Amen

-Jason

Jason’s vision is for the gospel to continue to spread throughout the world and believes it is Christian’s responsibility to carry out this mission effectively. To learn more about the organization for which Jason volunteers, please visit www.HaitiChristianity.org.

Learn more about Jason M. Alexandre here.