Verse of the Day 7/5

Verse of the Day 7/5

Job 19:25For I know that my Redeemer lives,

    and at the last he will stand upon the earth.   English Standard Version (ESV)

Near the middle of this book of Job, in the midst of his years, in the midst of the greatest trials in his life and the negative advice of some of his "friends" Job pens these wonderful words.  In the previous verses Job hopes and prays that his words would be recorded and "written in a book".  His requests came true and we have his words to encourage us to trust in the same God, our Redeemer who will come again and "stand on the earth".

As we grow older, sometimes we will realize that we draw closer to God, seek Him, more in the trials and storms of life than when things are going smoothly.  Job begins the verse with something that he wants us to realize, it is not a hope and a prayer, he "knows" experiencially, down deep in his soul that his Redeemer, the Creator of the world 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."

I'm reminded by an old hymn that  speaks of that knowing, that personal confidence that Job shared, may we experience it in our lives and have that desire to pass it on.

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.
   • 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."
2. I know not how this saving faith
   To me He did impart,
   Nor how believing in His Word
   Wrought peace within my heart.
3. I know not how the Spirit moves,
   Convincing men of sin,
   Revealing Jesus through the Word,
   Creating faith in Him.
4. I know not what of good or ill
   May be reserved for me,
   Of weary ways or golden days,
   Before His face I see.
5. I know not when my Lord may come,
   At night or noonday fair,
   Nor if I walk the vale with Him,
   Or meet Him in the air.

--   In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,  in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV    

Job 19:21-27The Message (MSG)

^21-22 "Oh, friends, dear friends, take pity on me.
    God has come down hard on me!
Do you have to be hard on me, too?
    Don't you ever tire of abusing me?

^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!