Job 19:25-27, “(25) For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: (26) And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: (27) Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.”
We know that Job faced some very hard times. He lost his children, his cattle, his home, his servants, and even his wife, whose advice to him was to curse God and die. Those who were supposed to be his friends accused him of wrong doing, as to the reason why he was faced with great loss and sufferings.
But yet in all of this, Job makes a profound statement: “For I know that my redeemer liveth.” How could Job make such a statement? It would seem that after all he lost materially, and his condition bodily, someone dropped the ball. But this is far from the case. God is still on His throne; and He knew exactly where Job was, and what he was going through, because He (God) had allowed it. (See Job 1:6-22; 2:1-13.) I also wonder if Job had some future insight into the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ that may have caused him to make such a statement.
Relationship – this is how Job can make such a statement. Job had a relationship with his Redeemer. This is how he knew his Redeemer liveth. The “eth” on the end of “live” means that it is a continual everlasting, eternal process.
When it comes to the Christian faith, many find it hard to believe that Jesus Christ (God manifested in the flesh), our Great Redeemer, liveth today. In a court of law there has to be clear and convincing evidence, and reliable witnesses, in order to prove a case of guilt or innocence.
I present to you an abundance of witnesses who have already testified to the life of our Redeemer:
Witness #1: Mark 16:9
“Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene…”
Witness #2: Mark 16:12
“After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.” (See Luke 24:13-35.)
Witness #3: Mark 16:14
“Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.”
Now there are some who will not believe witness testimony unless they have what is called material, or physical, evidence. Thomas was one of these people.
The Evidence: Exhibit A
John 20:24-29: “(24) But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them (the disciples) when Jesus came. (25) The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. (26) And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. (27) Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. (28) And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. (29) Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”
Witness #4: 1 Corinthians 15:4-8
“(4) And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: (5) And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: (6) After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. (7) After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. (8) And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.” (See Acts 9:4-5.)
There has now been proof of clear and convincing evidence and testimony to the living of our Redeemer. Those of us today did not witness the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ; but a record has been present of those who have.
We believe by faith and by relationship that our Redeemer liveth. Jesus said unto Thomas, “blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”
Do you know that your Redeemer liveth?
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