Pushing Back
There are times when someone tells me how things are or how they are going to be and I have to raise my hand and “push back” or speak up. Sometimes people who are being led must push back on the leader to understand how he or she works. I’m not sure I have always had the confidence to do that. I do think the way we push back is important too – I think we should respect the positions of leaders who are over us. That doesn’t mean we follow blindly or constantly show disrespect for them or the office they hold.
As I was reading Job this morning, it sounded to me like he wants to “push back” a bit on the Lord. Here he is at a loss – he is beat down to the point that death would be a welcomed friend. He doesn’t disrespect the Lord, but he wants a conversation with God. Check this out…
32 ‘He is not a mere mortal like me that I might answer him,
that we might confront each other in court.
33 If only there were someone to mediate between us,
someone to bring us together,
34 someone to remove God’s rod from me,
so that his terror would frighten me no more.
35 Then I would speak up without fear of him,
but as it now stands with me, I cannot. (Job 9:32-35 NIV)
As I read this passage, it sounded to me like Job was describing the role of Jesus, the Son of God. The book of Job is one of the oldest manuscripts found, if not the oldest and there was not a mention of Jesus coming to earth. It sure sounds like Job is asking for the role that Jesus later would complete. I was reminded of the description of Jesus in Hebrews. Check this out…
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven,[f] Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to feel sympathy for our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16 NIV)
I have had some very honest and raw conversations with the Lord over the years because I have Jesus as my attorney. He speaks on my behalf. He defends me. He has paid my penalty. He took my sin upon His shoulders. I have direct access to God through Jesus. This is exactly what Job was wanting. In Job’s suffering he wanted a direct conversation with God, but didn’t feel like he could. I’m thankful that I have a confidant that I can tell everything to. I can push back on God without disrespect or being irreverent. I can be honest because Jesus understands my hurt, my frustration and my suffering. He lived here on earth. I believe God wired me to push back because it is then that I often understand His Presence and His heart most profoundly.
Pressing On!
Dwayne