His Hand On You

Hebrews 9:14b, 15 Christ offered himself unblemished to God. 15 For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance – now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.
 
Job 9:32-34 “He is not a man like me that I might answer him, that we might confront each other in court. 33 If only there were someone to mediate between us, to lay his hand upon us both, 34 someone to remove God’s rod from me, so that his terror would frighten me no more.”  
 
LET’S connect Job’s plea for a mediator to Hebrews’ teaching on Jesus, the Mediator.
    To briefly review Job’s story, God allowed Satan to afflict the righteous man. Job’s family, possessions and health were destroyed. Job’s plea, “If only there were someone to mediate between us, to lay his hand upon us both.” reflects a cry many of us may have when affliction invades our lives. Our heart’s desire is to know, “Why, God? How do you want me to respond to this pain I’m suffering? Who will stand for me in this trial?” Job had lived in union and peace with God. But suddenly Job was afraid of God, uncertain of God’s justice and mercy. He sought healing for his afflicted body and his sorrowful heart. Job fervently desired someone to mediate peace between himself and God.
    As terrible as Job’s burden, it does not compare to sin’s affliction on your life. You need a mediator of peace between you and God to resolve sin’s affliction. That’s why you can thank God you have what Job wanted.
    Picture Jesus laying one of his nail-pierced hands on you and one on the Father. He stands, connecting you to the Holy Father. This is possible because his cross-suffering sacrifice redeems your sin-cursed soul to join as one with the Father into life everlasting.
    Job would later confess: I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. (Job 19:25) This confession did not immediately end his physical trials. But it helped Job understand God had not forgotten or disowned him. Job would eventually come to know that God is holy and sovereign. Although Job never knew the reason for his suffering, he submitted to God’s authority: Job 42:5 “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. 6 Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.”
    This must be our response to Jesus’ redemptive work. Jesus has come. He knows how sin afflicts your life. Your Redeemer lives. He has paid the full cost of your sin. Now Jesus is your Mediator. He put his hands to the nails, so he can put his hands on you to call you, “Sister.” “Brother.” “Child of God.”