SUBJ: Seeing Christ as our mediator in all things pertaining to life and godliness and to see it illustrated in the need Job expressed.

AIM: That we might be encouraged by the knowledge that Jesus, our daysman properly represents the demands of God and the needs of His people and so pleads our cause.

INTR: Job is a beautiful piece of Hebrew poetry in which the plight of a very special person in God’s plan is used bring a special lesson to the hearts of believers everywhere.
1. The description given of Job allows us to see that this was not punishment for sin; rather Job and we are allowed to see the sovereignty of God, the reactions to the suffering in the absence of a sense of God’s presence, and that faith will prevail against all things.
2. Job offered sacrifices so that we know that he understood the principle of substitutionary atonement for sin and his integrity was extolled to Satan.
3. Faced with the loss of both property and family, he still blessed the name of the Lord.
4. Touched in his person and the loss of the sense of divine presence he complained bitterly and was given no comfort from his wife and friends.

THESIS: True faith will maintain in the face of no sensed contact with the Lord and it prevailed with Job. We remember: Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God. Isaiah 50:10.

I. Job’s condition (vv. 27-28)
1. If I say?
2. His losses and grief were very real and the challenge to him to this point was to find out what he had done or for what manner of sin he was being punished which only increased his misery.
3. He recognized the folly of trying to self-encourage and move on; he could say it but what would it mean.
4. Even here he realized that he could not control his feelings so was afraid of his sorrows; they would just come back and that would be found to be sinful.

II. Job’s confession (vv. 29-32)
1. If I be wicked – that is guilty of the hypocrisy with which his friends were charging him – he would have no remedy.
1) Why bother?
2) V. 30 describes an extreme effort at trying to present before the Lord: He knew: For though thou wash thee with nitre, and take thee much soap, yet thine iniquity is marked before me, saith the Lord GOD. Jeremiah 2:22.
3) V. 31 Finds him incapable of maintaining a successful way before the Lord and he knew of his own sinful estate.
2. He knew that any effort would still leave him exposed to the discerning eye of God and his depravity would be seen by him and others.
3. The declaration of v. 32 reveals that the Lord was not to be dealt with on human terms nor would He submit to human reasonings and explanations – that was what his friends were doing.

III. Job’s confusion (vv. 33ff)
1. We say confusion in that he sensed accurately what was needed and knew that it would take another to restore him to fellowship with the Lord.
2. The word “daysman” is called umpire in the margin and indicated as an arbiter or mediator – one who takes on the interest of two contending parties.
1) Job wanted a hearing and the Lord owed him none.
2) When Eli the priest was rebuking his sons he said something warranting close attention: If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them. 1 Samuel 2:25.
3) Job wanted someone who could deal fairly with him before the Lord – he would not charge God foolishly (Job 1:10).
4) He needed someone who could sense his grief and sorrow and the causes of it and so represent him before the Lord in a way of honor and praise.
3. It is here we would examine the application:
1) We are reminded of Jacob’s plight in his flight into exile and the ladder that appeared: 12 And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. 13 And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; Genesis 28:12-13.
2) And we compare: And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man. John 1:51.
3) As to touching God: And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 1 Timothy 3:16.
4) As to touching Job and us: 14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16.
5) So, we are bidden: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7.
4. Faith realized in Job: 25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: 26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Job 19:25-26.
5. Job vindicated: In repentance toward God and the LORD richly blessed and honored him.