Day 142, or May 22.
There are some things that are guaranteed.
Our thoughts today are rooted in Job chapter 19 verse 25.
I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth.
First the big picture surrounding this verse.
Small words from Bildad that are brushed aside by Job, who is more convinced than ever that
God has it in for him and his friends are not supportive at all.
He feels absolutely rejected and alone.
He is in the all too common position of being surrounded by people, but feeling totally
isolated.
Job reminds his friends that ultimately everyone is answerable to God, and that includes them.
In all this uncertainty, Job is certain about one thing at least, and that is that in God
his Redeemer he has someone who is totally dependable.
I believe it is perfectly acceptable to think of God as our Redeemer, even though it is
Jesus who is the sacrifice that actually redeems us.
In just the same way, we can think of Jesus as our comforter and guide, even though it
is actually the Holy Spirit who fulfills this ministry within us.
These are just two of the aspects of worshipping a triune God, who is Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit.
And now today's action step.
In a world where less and less is permanent and more and more is uncertain, isn't it refreshing
to hear Job's words of assurance?
He declares that he knows, not that he hopes, but that he knows that his Redeemer lives.
This is not conditional upon how much faith Job has, because the reality of it is that
his Redeemer lives whether he believes it or not.
That's a mistake too many make today.
Believing that God does not exist or is not interested in mere humanity does not make
it so.
God is still the same yesterday, today, and forever.
In our most positive times when God is particularly close to us, He is no more real than when
we doubt His very existence.
It's worth recalling this in our low times.
We can always say, I know that my Redeemer lives.