PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Job 18-21
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth.” (Job 19:25)
These are powerful words, especially coming from Job.
They are also made famous through Handel’s Messiah.
I think about the desperation and misery Job was going through.
To me this expresses the deep cry and yearning his heart.
What does your heart yearn for, deeply?
I spoke with a man this week who yearns deeply for Jesus.
He is a widower, he is retired and lonely without his wife.
He speaks with emotion about when he will see Jesus.
I wonder if this happens more when you are suffering?
One day I will see Jesus, alive, on earth, with my own eyes.
Then everything will be clear, made new, put right.
The mess and the misery will be gone, forever!
No more suffering, no more tears, no more injustice or despair.
“How my heart yearns within me!” (Job 19:27)
PRAYER
Lord, may this day come quickly, especially for those who are in deep despair.
As Job’s friends make the case that there is something that Job is guilty of and must confess – attributing his present state to punishment, Job gives this window of testimony – such reassuring words to me: “I know that my redeemer[d] lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God;… How my heart yearns within me!” Job also disarms their presentations by helping them see that the wicked often prosper without God – they are not necessarily punished in this life for their disregard for God – so if Job was so wicked – why is he being punished. The cause and effect relationship falls flat – yet in the end – and that is the power of Job’s testimony – it is God who I shall see – God will make things right – and he did in Jesus. I am right with God – because of my trust in Jesus – I too shall see God!
This would’ve been a great debate to be an audience to.
When people are in distress, we try to comfort them. We do not look for faults but look for Jesus Who is the only One Who can comfort. God is with His people and He will see them through dark valleys. He does not leave them there. At all times I need to serve the living God and also today, in all circumstance, I am living in His presence.
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound – that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see.
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed!
The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.
Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come;
‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we’d first begun.