By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
Job 19:25-26 "I know that my redeemer 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" - NIV
Most people are familiar with the story of Job’s bitter sufferings. He was at a point that no one cared about him anymore. He narrates how his family and servants had abandoned him, and his friends were condemning more than comfort and strengthen him. They just stared at him helplessly, but Job longed for a word of encouragement and hope that none of them gave. In the midst of such despair come the words in the portion of scripture above.
Deep within Job was an awareness that his Redeemer God, was alive and that He will triumph. Even if his skin was being eaten up, he believed to see God work again. It makes the whole world of difference, in the midst of trouble and hopelessness, to know that the one you trust is alive and able to save. That keeps hope and faith alive. Apart from that, the advice of Job’s wife to curse God and die, would make sense. There would be no good reason to continue living. Indeed, Job saw God work mightily in the later part of his life.
Paul said that the resurrection of Christ and the hope of our own resurrection is at the core of our salvation. Otherwise we would be hopeless, but just to eat, drink and die! But glory be to God our Redeemer is alive and well. After the storm, the challenge, the confusion, rejection and abandonment, we shall see Him in glory. Sorrow may be there for the dark night, but our Redeemer brings joy in the morning. Hold on to faith in God who never fails.
1 Corinthians 15:19 "If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied."
Job 23:10 "But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold."
Shalom children of God.