October 10, 2021

Breaking Open the Scripture Scripture for October 10th: Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Psalm 22:1-15, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 Theme: Jesus as our mediator; Song: God of Grace and God of Glory UMH 577 Hebrews: The Gospel of John says that in the beginning was the Word, the Word was God and was with God. Jesus was with God from the beginning of time. Jesus Christ is the word of God. Hebrews speaks of Jesus Christ being our mediator – the one who stands in between God and us. Sometimes we need to pray to Jesus in order for God to hear us. Sometimes Jesus needs to speak to God on our behalf to ask for mercy. Jesus is the mediator because he died on behalf of our sins. Our scripture says that the word of God is like a double edged sword. Sometimes it holds us accountable for our actions, and sometimes it inspires us to do good for others. Jesus lived our life, so he understands where we are coming from. His mission on earth – to tell us how earth can be more like heaven. Job: How do you cheer up a friend who is depressed? We realize that our words can never really be enough to make a difference. Job was depressed with his situation. His wife and 3 of his best friends tried to say things to cheer him up. But it only encouraged Job to be more determined to accept societies definition of the situation. The current wisdom was that if something happened it was your own fault and that God was too far away to make a difference. Job does not want to hear a word they are telling him. He also decides that if he can just talk with God, then perhaps he can feel better. But Job has no idea of where to find God, he too thinks that God is too far away and that God does not know him. He is afraid to talk to God directly. Eventually Job will get his chance to speak with God. God will not be angry, but God will also not give Job any solid answers. This is one issue he will have to contend with his own heart. Eventually he does find his way out of depression and blaming others. Questions: If Jesus mediates for us, what do you need him to say to God about your life? How has God’s word held you accountable? If you could speak to God what would you say? How has your faith helped you out of depressions?