How can we seek God's guidance through mediators in our daily lives? A Messenger in a Thousand—Job 33:23 “Yet if there is a messenger on his side, one mediator in a thousand, to tell a man what is right for him—” (Job 33:23) Elihu reminds Job that God graciously appoints a “mediator” to make His ways clear. Scripture treats this as a normal pattern: God reaches people through appointed go-betweens so they can discern “what is right.” The Ultimate Mediator • “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 2:5) • “Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.” (Hebrews 7:25) Jesus’ role includes ongoing intercession. Every other messenger must agree with Him and point to Him. Because He is alive and active, seeking His guidance starts with a living relationship with Him. The Spirit as Internal Guide • “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit…will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.” (John 14:26) Christ sends His Spirit to dwell in believers. The Spirit verifies outside messages and applies Jesus’ words directly to our hearts. Human Messengers God Still Uses • Pastors and teachers—Ephesians 4:11 • Wise, godly friends—Proverbs 15:22 • Prophetic voices (tested and scriptural)—1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 • Angels or supernatural visitations (rare, but biblical)—Acts 8:26 • Inner promptings of the Spirit—Acts 8:29 These mediators never replace Scripture; they illuminate it and help us act on it. Positioning Ourselves to Hear • Stay in the Word daily; mediators confirm what God already said. • Cultivate humble community—invite counsel rather than isolate. • Keep short accounts with God; unconfessed sin dulls spiritual hearing. • Practice attentiveness—slow down, silence devices, journal impressions. • Ask specifically for wisdom—James 1:5. Tests for Authentic Guidance 1. Scriptural Fidelity—Does it align with clear biblical teaching? 2. Christ-Exalting Focus—Does it glorify Jesus or elevate human ego? 3. Fruit of the Spirit—Does it produce love, joy, peace, etc.? 4. Confirming Witnesses—Is it affirmed independently by mature believers? 5. Providence—Do circumstances open doors consistent with the word received? Living It Out • Begin each day acknowledging Jesus as present Mediator; ask Him to guide through His Spirit. • Remain alert for counsel that echoes Scripture, whether from a sermon, conversation, or even an unexpected “one in a thousand” encounter. • Test every message by the five checkpoints above. • Act promptly on guidance that passes the tests, trusting that the same God who appointed mediators for Job still directs His people today. |
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