“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth.” – Job 19:25
Where do you turn when things get bad and seem hopeless?
The passage above was written by Job. When we consider the present suffering we are enduring, Job could relate, probably to a much greater degrees of suffering. He lost his kids, his wealth, and his health.
“Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house; and a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, when the Sabeans raided them and took them away—indeed they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels and took them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, and suddenly a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said:
‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
And naked shall I return there.
The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away;
Blessed be the name of the Lord.‘” – Job 1:13-21
That may be the worst day anyone has ever had. That wasn’t the end, though, shortly after, he is covered in painful soars (boils) all over his body.
Over the next several chapters of Job, he laments the situation and his friends and wife come and give advice and “comfort.” One of his friends basically tells him all this is his fault because he had done some great sin (which was not true). It is after this, that Job’s response is our passage for today.
“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth.” – Job 19:25
Suffering is nothing new. I pray our response to our suffering is like that of Job. Whatever happens, no matter how bad it gets, we know that our Redeemer Lives and He is coming again. This suffering will end and we will be with Him.
Heavenly Father,
I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will stand upon the earth. In this alone do I put my trust and find my hope.
Amen.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Kurt
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