An Angel, A Mediator

Read Job 33

Read 1 Kings 9

Elihu poetically describes a man afflicted, but notice that he stops short of saying that Job was suffering because of specific sins. Now, let's be clear - he does say that Job is sinful. But he doesn't really single Job out. He even seems to want to put Job at ease. He says that he will not pressure him heavily.

So, instead of harsh accusations, Elihu speaks in general terms. We all go through times of suffering, and probably almost all of the time we don't know "why." We ask God "why," and we want to hear him give a definitive "because" answer. We don't get one. And wisely Elihu doesn't try to make up reasons for "why" like Job's three friends did.

Instead, Elihu speaks of an angel, a mediator who could help in times of suffering. There is one who procures a ransom, that the suffering one might be restored. There is one who can restore our flesh to be like that of a youth (like Naaman's skin was restored to be like a baby's after his leprosy was cured). There is one who can redeem us from the pit (grave). There is one who has the light of life.

Elihu speaks of the coming Christ. He is an angel, that is, a messenger who proclaims good news to the poor in spirit. He is a mediator, the only mediator between God and man, who intervened to appease the wrath of God and who continues to plead to the Father on our behalf. He is the ransom, shedding his own holy, innocent, precious blood and giving his own life for our eternal life. He has bought us back from the kingdom of the devil and brought us into his gracious kingdom. And whoever follows him will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

What an incredible Savior! And what a hope in times of suffering. It is OK to ask God "why," but we have to be content if God does not give us the "because." In times like those, we should focus less on "why," and focus more on "who," that is, on Jesus Christ.

Maybe you are not in a hospital right now. Maybe you are not dealing with a chronic illness. Maybe you are not on hospice care, or even going through a difficult time. But you know someone who is. The one suffering goes through a million questions, feels terrible about themselves, and maybe lashes out at God. We have to point them to Jesus. He is love, and he is their only hope.

Ask Yourself:

Do I ask "why" questions about what is going on in my life?

Are those around me struggling to cope with a time of suffering?

How can I point myself and those around me toward Christ?

Pray:

Pray concerning what is on your heart today, and remember to ask God for boldness that you might point others to Jesus.

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!