Remember the unfortunate story of Job? Satan is allowed to destroy almost everything Job holds near-and-dear to himself and then his friends come and offer ignorant “advice”? One of Job’s responses to them is perfect for us to commit to memory. “Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and he who testifies for me is on high. My friends scorn me; my eye pours out tears to God, that he would argue the case of a man with God, as a son of man does with his neighbor. For when a few years have come I shall go the way from which I shall not return.” (Job 16.19-22)
Job’s friends offer us a wonderful reminder! Even if their words were not directly applicable to Job’s situation. Some of the things they said were absolutely correct. Eliphaz has just told Job advice we need to hear: “[The wicked man] will not depart from darkness; the flame will dry up his shoots, and be the breath of his mouth he will depart. Let him not trust in emptiness, deceiving himself, for emptiness will be his payment.” (Job 15.30-31) God will not ignore sin. We must put away things from our lives that are contrary to what Christians are called to be.
Job’s statement is so strong because of the foreshadow provided. Jesus “was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God” (Mark 16.19). Hebrews 7.25-27 point out Jesus’ perfection to serve as our priest because “He always lives to make intercession for [us]”. 1 John 2.1-2 tells us that Jesus Christ is exactly what Job was asking God for- a witness in heaven who will testify for me and argue my case to God: “If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins”.
Does Job’s lesson sound like your spiritual life? Everything is going great. Positive things are happening, and you are being blessed. Satan shows up and before you know it you are sin-sick and have no idea how things went sideways so quickly. Eerily similar, huh? Job told you, and don’t forget it- “Even now, my witness is in heaven and He who testifies for me is on high”. May our Propitiation ever argue for His people! May we humbly pour out tears for our transgressions!