January 23

Job 15:1-18:21

Where do you find hope in the midst of pain and suffering? During Job's whining, complaining, and anguish we see a few breakthrough moments of hope. One of those is found in Job 16:19-21: "Even now my witness is in heaven; my advocate is on high. My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God..." Job finds hope amid his suffering knowing he has a witness, advocate, and intercessor in heaven. It is hard to know how Job knew this, but regardless of how, he understood it.

We now know that Jesus is the one who fills this role in heaven. He is our witness, advocate, intercessor, and friend. Jesus is continually interceding for us, even when we are too exhausted or depressed to pray for ourselves. He is at the right hand of the Father as our savior and friend. Therefore, when we are struggling to make sense of the world around us or the circumstances of our lives, we can rest in the fact that Jesus is in heaven operating on our behalf. So regardless of the present pain, we can have hope because of Jesus.

Father God, thank you for Jesus. Thank you he is continually interceding for me and is my advocate. Thank you that amid my weakness, Jesus is strong. Thank you for the gift of your Son. Amen. 

How should knowing Jesus is your advocate, witness, intercessor, and friend help you in times of suffering?

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