My Redeemer Lives (Job 19)

Even while suffering, did Job know that His Redeemer lives? Do we? Let’s look at Job 19.

Do we torment those who need comfort? Whether God caused or allowed Job’s suffering, was Job correct saying that God was ultimately responsible?

Then Job answered: How long will you torment me and crush me with words? You have humiliated me ten times now, and you mistreat me without shame. Even if it is true that I have sinned, my mistake concerns only me. If you really want to appear superior to me and would use my disgrace as evidence against me, then understand that it is God who has wronged me and caught me in His net. (Job 19:1-6 HCSB)

When God delays a reply to prayer, are we too tempted to accuse Him of injustice?

Although I cried out ‘Violence!’ I received no answer; I cried for help, but there was no justice. He blocked my path, so I cannot pass; and he turned out the lights on my pathways. He has stripped me of my honor; he has stolen the crown off my head! He is breaking me down on every side, and now it’s too late for me; he has uprooted my hopes like a tree. His anger burns against me; he regards me as his adversary. His troops march in a column against me, erecting their siege ramps against me; they surround my tent. (Job 19:7-12 ISV)

Have we ever felt all alone in the world, abandoned by everyone?

He hath put my brethren far from me, and mine acquaintance are verily estranged from me. My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me. They that dwell in mine house, and my maids, count me for a stranger: I am an alien in their sight. (Job 19:13-15 KJV)

Have we ever felt completely abandoned even by close family and friends?

I call to my servant, but he does not answer; I have to implore him with my mouth. My breath is offensive to my wife, And I am loathsome to my own brothers. Even young children reject me; I rise up, and they speak against me. All the men of my counsel abhor me, And those I love have turned against me. My bone clings to my skin and my flesh, And I have escaped only by the skin of my teeth. (Job 19:16-20 LSB)

Even in the midst of deep, dark self-pity do we also know that our Redeemer lives? Was Job’s wish fulfilled, that his words were recorded?

Pity me, pity me, you friends of mine, For the hand of God has struck me. Why do you persecute me as God does, And are not satisfied with my flesh? Oh that my words were written! Oh that they were recorded in a book! That with an iron stylus and lead They were engraved in the rock forever! Yet as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, And at the last, He will take His stand on the earth. Even after my skin is destroyed, Yet from my flesh I will see God, Whom I, on my part, shall behold for myself, And whom my eyes will see, and not another. My heart faints within me! (Job 19:21-27 NASB)

Are those who overly harshly judge others, in danger of the same?

If you say, ‘How we will hound him, since the root of the trouble lies in him,’ you should fear the sword yourselves; for wrath will bring punishment by the sword, and then you will know that there is judgment. (Job 19:28-29 NIV)

Rather than slander the suffering, what would God have us do?

Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. (James 1:27 NKJV)

Even while suffering, did Job know that His Redeemer lives? Do we? You decide!