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“… 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.
– Job 16:21

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One of the themes I’m picking up from Job is that he keeps searching for a mediator or an arbiter between himself and God. He knows he’s not welcome in the presence of God to argue his own case. He also knows no person is wise or just enough do it. His problem is that God is judging him, so he needs an incredibly good lawyer. The only one who could possibly stand a chance to reason with God is God himself. So in v. 21, Job’s desperation leads him to make that crazy request. “God, will you argue my case to God?”

God was revealing in the book of Job that although he is the most righteous judge in the universe, the Justice system was not yet complete. He was clarifying for us that we need an advocate.

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Jesus is the final advocate I’ll ever need. He is the only mediator perfect enough to plead my case to the perfect judge. God’s holiness does not allow my presence with him unless I am in Christ, and Christ is with the Father.

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God, unlike Job, I can boldly approach your throne of grace. Because of Jesus, you’re more than just a perfect judge. You’re also the perfect grace giver. Even better, you know that grace isn’t just the answer at my conversion, but even when I’m in the hardest times of my life, and suffering beyond what I can perceive to be fair, the answer is still grace. And Jesus, you’re forever with God the Father, asking for more grace for me. Help me savor the grace you have afforded me every day. Especially the days that are probably coming when I’m in Job-like suffering, remind me that though the earthly situation may look the same as his, you’re with me and working for me in an entirely new way.

This post is part of my Weekly REAP series. I’m posting these from my personal journal to share what God is teaching me, and to give some practical examples of the REAP method.  I didn’t write any of these with publishing in mind, so forgive me if they don’t always wax eloquent. Here is some more information on the REAP study method.