Help, I Need Somebody
Daily Old Testament Reading: Job 7-10
Daily Focus Passage: Job 9:33
During confusion and struggle, we often seek the advice and aid of others. We desire support and guidance from others to navigate the difficulty. We seek individuals who share from experience or have the capacity to reach into the dynamics and help. Ultimately, we declare, “Help, I need somebody.” The truth of the matter centers on the reality that everyone needs a mediator to stand between them and the Lord. Job’s declaration acknowledges this need and sends a reminder to us today.
EVERYONE NEEDS A MEDIATOR
Job faced great pain and grief. Physically he faced an enormous amount of pain. He grieved over the loss of his children and struggled with the demise of his possessions. Job recognized that he alone could not find healing or come before the Lord. He knew he needed a mediator to speak on his behalf and to make way for healing.
Sin continues to be the great plague that separates humanity from the Lord. Sin manifests itself in pain, grief, sorrow, and evil. These realities leave us longing for healing and relief from the Lord. But sin separates us from the Lord. The separation cannot be bridged because we are filthy rags before the Lord. We can never be righteous enough to overcome the great chasm. Thus, we need a mediator, and our cry becomes, “Help, I need somebody.”
THE LORD PROVIDED A MEDIATOR
The Lord knew that no one could ever be reconciled with him without a mediator. This knowledge led the Lord to set forth a plan to bring a mediator into the equation. This mediator is none other than Jesus. Jesus came to pay the penalty of sin that we deserve so that we could be reconciled to the Lord. This work occurred as he revealed himself as the needed mediator. God’s love for humanity prompted his work and action to form an avenue to reconciliation.
The Lord provided a mediator for every individual. Jesus goes between the Father and humanity as a mediator to bring them together. This mediation work is available to those who cry out to Jesus as Lord and Savior. As we cry, “Help, I need somebody,” the Lord responded with the response of Jesus.
THE PRESENCE OF THE MEDIATOR
Job desired to sense the presence of the Lord. He wanted to know that the Lord was with him. As we journey through the Book of Job, the Lord reveals his presence in his timing. The New Covenant, established in Christ, brings the promise of the constant presence of the mediator. Jesus does not abandon us or forsake us. He is our continuous mediator. He is the ongoing source of guidance and strength. Thus, we face the pain and struggle of life with the promise of God’s presence.
As you cry out, “Help, I need somebody,” are you trusting that the needed somebody is Christ? Do you live in his strength and guidance? The reality exists that we will face difficulty. The truth comes that we face these hard times with the presence and promise of the Lord. Do you have a relationship with the mediator, Jesus?
