“I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth, and after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God.” – Job 19:25-26 

Scripture reading: Job 19:1-29

The suffering of Job was emotional, physical and spiritual. He lost his family, possessions and health. By chapter 19, however, Job was in the process of losing even more. His relationship with his friends was strained. Rather than comforting him, they began to attack his reputation. In this intense suffering, Job came to a strong, prophetic confession of faith in his Redeemer. He had faith that his Redeemer was alive, even already at that time. He also trusted that this Redeemer would one day come to stand on the earth. His Redeemer would be his champion and vindicator, the One Who would conquer death on Job’s behalf. 

We don’t know precisely when Job lived, but it was more than 1500 years before Christ, perhaps more than 2000. Certainly, this account is very, very ancient. And yet this man, in the midst of his intense suffering, had a very clear view of the Son of God. Job’s hope was fulfilled in the incarnation and the resurrection of Christ. Yet, he even looks further forward, hoping for the time when Job himself would be resurrected and see his Saviour with his own eyes!

This enduring faith has lived in the hearts of God’s children for thousands of years. Still to this day, believers who suffer greatly often display great faith. One day, that faith will be replaced by sight “…we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2).

Suggestion for prayer

Pray that your hope in the Redeemer and His resurrection would grow in the face of trials.

Pastor Robert VanDoodewaard currently serves the Free Reformed Church in Powassan, Ontario, Canada as a minister of the gospel.