Job 19:25 For I know that my Redeemer lives,
and at the last he will stand upon the earth. English Standard Version (ESV)
and at the last he will stand upon the earth. English Standard Version (ESV)
On Thursday we considered Paul's challenge to be content with God in all circumstances. Paul knew what it was to face hardships and trials, from shipwrecks to imprisonment, but it did not shake his faith, trust and confidence in God. He "learned" contentment and it served him well.
Today's verse comes from the Old Testament and one of the earliest written books of the Bible. In the book of Job we read of the trials and tribulations that Job faced. Despite having "friends" that pointed fingers at his life and sins as being the root cause of his troubles, Job held on to his faith. Yes, he questioned God, but he did not lose his faith and trust in Him. In the midst of the book, in the midst of the trials in his life he makes this statement, "I know that my Redeemer lives". The Redeemer, the One, the only One who could deliver him was the creator of the earth. He didn't say I hope, he said I know, it was at the core of who he was, with everything he had, I KNOW that my redeemer lives.
Charles Spurgeon writes, "To say, "I hope so, I trust so" is comfortable; and there are thousands in the fold of Jesus who hardly ever get much further. But to reach the essence of consolation you must say, "I know." Ifs, buts, and perhapses, are sure murderers of peace and comfort. Doubts are dreary things in times of sorrow. Like wasps they sting the soul! If I have any suspicion that Christ is not mine, then there is vinegar mingled with the gall of death; but if I know that Jesus lives for me, then darkness is not dark: even the night is light about me."
What is the state of your faith in the midst of the circumstances of your life? Can you say "I know" that my redeemer lives? Job desired that his thoughts would be preserved, "written in a book, better yet, chiseled in stone" (The Message). Thankfully, God saw to it to encourage and challenge us all the days of our lives as His own Word, which stands forever.
I'm reminded of the old hymn "I Know Whom I Have Believed". May the words be the testimony of your heart and life.
1. I know not why God's wondrous grace
To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own.
To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own.
2. I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word
Wrought peace within my heart.
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word
Wrought peace within my heart.
o Refrain:
But "I know Whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I've committed
Unto Him against that day."
But "I know Whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I've committed
Unto Him against that day."
Blessings,
Mike
Job 19:25-27The Message (MSG)
23-27 "If only my words were written in a book—
better yet, chiseled in stone!
Still, I know that God lives—the One who gives me back my life—
and eventually he'll take his stand on earth.
And I'll see him—even though I get skinned alive!—
see God myself, with my very own eyes.
Oh, how I long for that day!
better yet, chiseled in stone!
Still, I know that God lives—the One who gives me back my life—
and eventually he'll take his stand on earth.
And I'll see him—even though I get skinned alive!—
see God myself, with my very own eyes.
Oh, how I long for that day!
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