Highlights In Today's Reading:
Job is speaking. Both Bildad and Zophar accuse Job of wickedness and the terrible fate of the wicked in an attempt to get Job to admit he's not as righteous as he wants others to believe.
Bildad's second speech was the most hostile of all. With every lash of condemnation came a greater depth to Job's confidence in his life beyond the grave. Job could bear the unjust reproach of his friends for he was living in the expectation of the glorious appearance of his coming King.
Job's faith soared like an eagle above the clouds and beyond the heavens to view eternal truths which were never before revealed.
Job no longer asked a question but made a remarkable revelation to mankind. I know my Redeemer liveth (19:25). The meaning of the Hebrew word "redeemer" is one who is the nearest blood relative whose responsibility it was to avenge wrongs done to his kindsman (Numbers 35:19), including to buy back his land for him if he lost it through poverty (Ruth 4). The same word is used spiritually for Christ since he is our Redeemer (Psalm 103; Isaiah 59:20) who paid the price for our sins to purchase our freedom from sin (I Peter 1:18-19). This is one of the most remarkable and magnificent prophecies in the Bible.
Job had absolute confidence concerning life after death: If a man die, shall he live again. . . . For now Thou numberest my steps (Job 14:14-16). Each day of Job's suffering seemed to bring a fuller revelation of God until Job looked beyond his suffering and into the future with calmness and triumph because our Father in Heaven observes every step in our lives. Job spoke with utmost confidence: I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God (19:25-26).
All possessions are transient, and God wants us to see that we cannot hold a tight grip on material or physical things, or even people, that are dear to us. Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God (I Corinthians 10:31).
Like Job, God would lead us to say: The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the Name of the Lord (Job 1:21). In spite of all personal losses, everything and everyone is left behind at death and we spend eternity in either heaven — joys beyond compare — or hell — the lake of everlasting fire (in outer darkness), prepared for the Devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41). We too can endure many trials and be victorious when we know that no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly (Psalm 84:11). Jesus, our Living Redeemer, is always faithful.
I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him (II Timothy 1:12).
Thought for Today:
Today would be the best time to take a spiritual inventory of what things are most important in our life. How do the things of God measure up?
Christ Revealed:
As the Redeemer (Job 19:25). Jesus Christ is our Redeemer. By His death, He provided the required sacrifice to pay for our sins (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 1:13-14; Revelation 5:9). Our Saviour Jesus Christ . . . gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity (Titus 2:13-14).
Word Studies:
17:1 breath =pirit; 17:6 a tabret =b> an object of contempt, ridicule; 17:14 corruption =b> decay; 17:16 rest =b> burial; 18:9 gin =b> snare, trap; 18:20 day =b> fate; tragic end; 19:3 strange =b> alien; 19:14 familiar =b> close; 19:17 strange =b> repulsive; 19:19 inward =b> dearest, intimate; 19:27 reins =b> heart.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Arabic International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts sponsored by Mrs. Wyona Magee • Staff: Benjamin Wallace • Government Officials: Rep. Jim Cooper (TN), Rep. Trent Franks (AZ), and Rep. James Walsh (NY) • Country: Switzerland (7 million) in central Europe • Major languages: German and French • Religious freedom • 53% Roman Catholic; 41% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Remember that the Lord is faithful to keep His promises (Hebrews 10:23).
Optional Reading: Ephesians 2
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 1:9