December 12, 2004

THE UMPIRE BETWEEN US

"There is no umpire between us, who might lay his hand upon us both" (Job 9:33, RSV).

The origin of this descriptive title stems from the agonizing plight of the patriarch Job. Torn by inner conflicts about the true reason for his unbearable suffering. Job saw an impassable gulf between himself and God. Through his misconception about God, Job saw Him as distant and infinite in contrast with his own finite and mortal existence. It was then that he yearned for an "umpire" or arbitrator to mediate between himself and God (see Job 9:33).

Job's plight brings to light the provisions of the gospel for humanity. We need not conceive of Jesus as settling a dispute or argument between man and God. On the contrary, Jesus is the One whom God Himself has selected to represent heaven's interests in the great plan of salvation. Through Christ, man has obtained a new understanding of God's role in the plan of redemption. He is now seen as a God who is ready, willing, and able to bridge the chasm that sin has made (see Hebrews 2:17, 18).

By His death and sinless life, Christ, the sublime "Umpire," has made us one with God again (see Colossians 1:19-22). The sinner no longer needs to suffer Job's anguish concerning God. Our divine "Umpire" has met all the claims of divine justice against sin; now God is vindicated, and the sinner is pardoned and fully accepted. Christ, the great "Umpire," has magnified the law, exalted the gospel, satisfied justice, and restored the sinner to sonship. In so doing, He has glorified God. "The I Am is the Daysman between God and humanity, laying His hand upon both. He who is 'holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners,' is not ashamed to call us brethren, Hebrews 7:26; 2:11. In Christ the family of earth and the family of heaven are bound together."--The Desire of Ages, pp. 25, 26.

My Prayer Today: Lord, as the unique "Umpire," Christ has restored me to You by His grace. Keep me ever in this joyous status. Amen.