"For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth; and after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!"
--Job 19:25-27 (NKJV)
From the daily Bible reading on August 30, 2013 of Proverbs 1:1-7; Luke 23:44-24:12; Job 19-20.
Job's three friends (who by now bring to mind the old saying, "With friends like these, who needs enemies?") continue to hammer away at him to confess sins he claims he did not commit. They refuse to believe his profession of innocence no matter what he might say, and indeed accuse him of just making wind with his many words, trying to put off the inevitable. Job seems near to the end of his patience with these men as he rebukes them for their heartless treatment, for tormenting and verbally attacking him. He says they should have pity on him instead, for the hand of God has struck him this terrible blow.
But then Job reaches the turning point that marks a change in his attitude and perspective. Today's focus verses contain a remarkable exclamation and evidence of this change. When Job declares that his Redeemer lives, he acknowledges his belief in a living God who will exonerate him even after his death, who he will see with his own eyes, in his own flesh, even after his skin is destroyed and his body has perished. In this Job paints a picture of Jesus Christ, our Savior and our Redeemer, and the wonderful promise of our resurrection body that He will give us.
This clearly marks a change in Job's perspective, for he turns from looking at what has happened to suddenly realize what lies ahead. Instead of dwelling on all he has lost, he casts his mind's eye ahead to what will come after the death of his physical body. And in this future he sees how his current suffering is vindicated, how he receives redemption for all that was lost and taken. He no longer views God as the one who inflicts all this current pain on him, but as his Redeemer for his entire life.
Job looks ahead and sees what the Apostle Paul describes for us as one of the many great gifts from God, given after Christ's return, when God again stands at last on the earth: a new body, chosen by God just for us, in the image of Jesus, being heavenly and imperishable, a body made to last for all eternity (please reference 1 Corinthians 15:35-58). It is as if Job already knows what will happen "in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." (1 Corinthians 15:52.) Job sees that his unwavering faith in God is the key to his future redemption. Paul reinforces this assurance to us when he adds, "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 15:58.) Job maintained an unshakable faith in God. So must our faith in Christ be, steadfast and unmovable. Our Redeemer lives, and His name is Jesus. Amen.
Loving Father, You showed Job a vision of his redemption through his faith in You. He saw himself in a new body, the same as You promise us when You again stand on this earth as the returned and triumphant Jesus. Thank You, Lord, for all the glorious gifts You give us each day and all that You have in store for us when we rejoin You in paradise, reconciled to You by the blood sacrifice of Your beloved Son and our dear Savior, Jesus Christ our Lord. In the most holy and glorious name of Jesus our Redeemer we pray. Amen.
But then Job reaches the turning point that marks a change in his attitude and perspective. Today's focus verses contain a remarkable exclamation and evidence of this change. When Job declares that his Redeemer lives, he acknowledges his belief in a living God who will exonerate him even after his death, who he will see with his own eyes, in his own flesh, even after his skin is destroyed and his body has perished. In this Job paints a picture of Jesus Christ, our Savior and our Redeemer, and the wonderful promise of our resurrection body that He will give us.
This clearly marks a change in Job's perspective, for he turns from looking at what has happened to suddenly realize what lies ahead. Instead of dwelling on all he has lost, he casts his mind's eye ahead to what will come after the death of his physical body. And in this future he sees how his current suffering is vindicated, how he receives redemption for all that was lost and taken. He no longer views God as the one who inflicts all this current pain on him, but as his Redeemer for his entire life.
Job looks ahead and sees what the Apostle Paul describes for us as one of the many great gifts from God, given after Christ's return, when God again stands at last on the earth: a new body, chosen by God just for us, in the image of Jesus, being heavenly and imperishable, a body made to last for all eternity (please reference 1 Corinthians 15:35-58). It is as if Job already knows what will happen "in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." (1 Corinthians 15:52.) Job sees that his unwavering faith in God is the key to his future redemption. Paul reinforces this assurance to us when he adds, "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 15:58.) Job maintained an unshakable faith in God. So must our faith in Christ be, steadfast and unmovable. Our Redeemer lives, and His name is Jesus. Amen.
Loving Father, You showed Job a vision of his redemption through his faith in You. He saw himself in a new body, the same as You promise us when You again stand on this earth as the returned and triumphant Jesus. Thank You, Lord, for all the glorious gifts You give us each day and all that You have in store for us when we rejoin You in paradise, reconciled to You by the blood sacrifice of Your beloved Son and our dear Savior, Jesus Christ our Lord. In the most holy and glorious name of Jesus our Redeemer we pray. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment