Friday - Job 16 - One

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estled away in Job 16:21 is a terrifically wonderful request and wish which Job had. With Messianic fervor he prayed, "O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleads for his neighbor!"  Just like Job had said back in Job 9:33, he desired to have someone who could and would mediate, intercede and communicate between mankind and the Godhead. He wanted one who could come along beside him and defend him. Of course, we know certainly that the ONE has come; Christ is the answer to Job's expressed need, and we enjoy the benefit of this blessing (Romans 8:26-27).  Jesus is the ONE who pleads to God for you and for me.  He stands up on our behalf and defends us.  He takes up our cause and our complaint happily and vigorously.  He is the ONE we need. What Job needed was a comforter. His friends weren't adequate for that. "Miserable comforters are ye all" (Job 16:2), Job cried against them. Yet, he found no comfort (Job 16:6). He was just sure that if the roles were reversed, he would bolster their failing strength (Job 16:4-5).  But, for the time being he had to be satisfied to continue in his suffering. Surely, he wasn't the first of God's children to suffer, and we know that he wasn't the last.

Interestingly, as Job prayed with Messianic overtones for a mediator to stand between him and God, he also became a type of Christ himself. We can read Job 16:10 & 11 with either Job in mind or with thoughts of the dying Lord of glory. The description fits either case well. And as you and I endure suffering, affliction, persecution, torment or pain to whatever varying degree, let us all remember & find comfort in the fact that Jesus suffered too (Heb. 4:15 & 5:8-9).