"God and I are not equals; I can't bring a case against him. We'll never enter a courtroom as peers.
How I wish we had an arbitrator to step in and let me get on with life" — Job 9:32-33 (MSG)
There is a great scene in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Harry has been accused and is facing expulsion from his school, Hogwarts. He is called to a trial and feels completely at a loss. Just as the trial is about to begin, his schoolmaster, Dumbledore appears to represent Harry and intercede for him. The charges against Harry are eventually dropped.
It's nice to have an advocate, someone who will step in on your behalf. That's what Job is wishing for as he feels totally alone as he pleads his case to his friends and the heavens.
As I read Job's complaint, I suddenly realized that I, that we, have access to the exact arbitrator which Job wished for. In the spiritual court of law, God provided his own Son to step in and stand in our shoes, to take our punishment, and to intercede on our behalf!
but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Hebrews 7:24-25 (NIV)
Even if I scrub myself all over
and wash myself with the strongest soap I can find,
It wouldn’t last—you’d push me into a pigpen, or worse,
so nobody could stand me for the stink.
Isn’t this so true? Even if we think we are noble and pure at times…it doesn’t last. It can’t, we are a fallen people. There are times when we feel “holy”, but what a reminder that by God’s standards we still stink. Humbling…no?