I know that my Redeemer lives,
and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. ~ Job 19:25
There are things in life I have come to know as I have grown older. I know that I don’t like snow anymore—not even at a distance. I know that grandchildren are as grand as advertised. I know that I love my wife deeply and that it hurts me to see her in pain as she frequently is. I have come to know these things by personal experience.
Job, who speaks these words, “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth…” had a different personal experience. He had experienced deep and intense personal suffering, losing virtually every earthly blessing we value. Possessions, family and health were all stripped from this man of faith.
Having nothing around him in which to find comfort and strength, he looks upward and forward. He looks to God. Satan didn’t think Job would survive these trials. God was sure he would. God revealed things to Job that sustained him in his earthly suffering. When Job said, “I know…” he was saying that it had been made known to him–revealed to him.
God had shown Job that he was the ultimate Redeemer—the one who took care of and set free from the debt of sin, not just a handful of blood relatives, but an entire world that he wished to be his family by faith.
God had shown Job that what he could see with his eyes–painful sores and tragic losses–would be far surpassed by a glorious end of all things. In the end, the Redeemer stands on the earth in ruling power with all the resurrected believers at his side.
Job knew by personal experience the deepest woes this world can dish out, but he also knew by divine revelation that while there is suffering here and now, the day is coming when everything will be made new.
When your life feels like Job’s, remember what Job knew. He knew pain and suffering for a time. He knew redemption and glory that lasts forever.
I know that my Redeemer lives! I know Jesus is that Redeemer. I know he will stand on the earth and I will stand at his side forever.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, what you have shown to me: the temporary nature of suffering and the eternal glory of heaven, make me to believe deeply and trust confidently. May I know fully what Job knew, to the glory of your name. Amen.
Living Hope Church 