Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read Job 19:25-27.
“I know that my redeemer liveth” sung by a Soprano soloist serves as an opening to the 45th movement of Handel’s Messiah. It is the first music heard immediately following the Hallelujah Chorus. In this setting, Handel pairs these words with words of Paul to address the subject of the second coming of Christ. However, these words were first uttered by Job in the midst of his suffering.
Job had been an extremely wealthy and prosperous man. One might say that Job was exceedingly blessed by God. In a series of tragedies, Job’s family was destroyed, his wealth was wiped out and he was afflicted with boils covering his body. As if this wasn’t enough, his friends came to be with him, but all they succeeded in doing was blaming Job for his suffering; telling him that it was the result of something that he had done that caused God to punish him. With friends like these, who needs enemies? Job’s response to an accusation from his friend Bildad are these words for today, “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that at the last he will stand upon the earth; and after my skin has been thus destroyed, then in my flesh I shall see God” (Job 19:25-26, NRSV). Job was faithful to God even at his lowest point. (It is important to note that Rabbi Joseph Telushkin in his book, Biblical Literacy, informs us that Talmudic teaching as far back as the third-century is that the entire Book of Job is a parable (pp 348-9) which is useful in trying to understand the nature of suffering.)
Personal Worship Option:
Pray, “O God, I struggle to understand why there is suffering in the world. However, I know that you are with me throughout my life in good times and in bad. Through whatever I may face this day, help me to lean on your strength and guidance and let me reflect your love and grace to others. Amen.”
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