Today’s Reading:
Job 19: 23-27 (25a)
23 “Oh, that my words were written! Oh, that they were inscribed in a book! 24 That they were engraved on a rock With an iron pen and lead, forever! 25 For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth; 26 And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God, 27 Whom I shall see for myself, And my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” (Job 19:23-27 [25a])
The character in Job 19: 23-27 suffered more than any human in Bible history. As human beings, we are usually always convinced that nobody has suffered the things we have had to experience or endure. However, when you get in that frame of mind you need to fall back upon Job and the enduring faith that helped him through one disaster after another. Through all his problems, Job was kept by the knowledge that God was still God.
We see in Job his dependence upon God in every area of life. From the good times through the bad, he knows God is there for him. The key verse of this passage is Job 19: 25, “For I know that my Redeemer lives." Everything around him fell apart, but Job, in all of these, fell back upon the truth and justice of God. He was driven by his solemn assurance in the justice and faithfulness of God. He held on to his belief in a redeemer who would one day set things straight (vv: 27-29).
• Psalm 110: 1-4, throws more light on the assertions that held Job steadfast, and should still hold true for believers today. Everything Christ represents (Prophetic office, Priestly office, and Kingly office etc) should help the redeemed of the Lord to stay steadfast even in affliction. More so, Jesus went through all forms of humiliation before He was highly exalted.
Furthermore, His exaltation was the reward of his humiliation; because he humbled himself, therefore God also highly exalted him (Philippians 2:9). As believers, we are to submit ourselves entirely to Christ, to His grace and government. and triumph in him as our prophet, priest, and king, by whom we hope to be ruled, and taught, and saved forever. The confidence Job expressed when he said ‘I know ...’ Although he was living in difficult circumstances, did not prevent him from showing strong confidence in what his Lord would yet do for him. Job might not understand the root of his problems, yet his faith was like an anchor lodged securely in what the Almighty is and can do. Brethren, this should be our stand. To have us exhibit this certainty, we need to make a choice to serve Jesus even when things are dark and difficult.
We live in a world in which major crises can come at any time. For example, COVID 19 is ravaging the nations at this time. This virus struck unexpectedly and has brought an end to things we may have hoped for. No one planned for the pandemic, but it has brought a new norm to the world. Nevertheless, .... our Redeemer lives. Job’s response in Job 19: 25A is how we are to respond in situations of conflict with the powers of darkness. The job was not aware of all the machinations of the devil against him, but he was steadfastly looking unto the Almighty. Today, we face contrary spiritual conflicts in many areas of our lives. Should the conflict make things difficult for us, how do we respond? Hopefully, we will all be able to use Job’s words from the heart, that is - “I know my Redeemer lives”.
Your view of and your conduct to the body of Christ will reveal what Christ represents to you and will greatly expose the true nature of your salvation. Jesus died for the Church … that is love. How committed are you to your belief? “Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession” (Hebrews 4:14). Therefore, stay focused and steadfast to the course for which Jesus came. Regardless of what you are going through, trust Him. Halleluyah!!!
IRETI SOLOLA
Prayer:
Father, thank you because you are alive forevermore.
Father protect every of my interest with your fire, in the name of Jesus.
I shall not build for another to inhabit, and I shall not plant for another to eat, in the name of Jesus.
Father, let the Light of the gospel be revealed in dark areas of the world, in Jesus’ name.
Henceforth, let Nigeria begin to make progress in every area of life, in the name of Jesus.
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