Amidst immense suffering, Job revealed a profound faith that transcends earthly tribulations when he said, “For 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: whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me” (Job 19:25-27).
Job’s prolonged physical and emotional suffering was compounded by the harsh remarks of his friends. Their unkind and crude remarks did not help to alleviate Job’s distress. Earlier in this chapter, in verses 14 to 21, Job vividly described his dismal circumstances: “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. I called my servant, and he gave me no answer; I intreated him with my mouth. My breath is strange to my wife, though I intreated for the children’s sake of mine own body. Yea, young children despised me; I arose, and they spake against me. All my inward friends abhorred me: and they whom I loved are turned against me. My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth. Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me.”
Amidst such overwhelming misery, which he recognised as permitted by God, Job’s spirit remained remarkably steadfast. Despite his profound anguish, Job’s confidence in God did not waver. He proclaimed with unwavering assurance, “For I know that my redeemer liveth”. Though he had no expectation of any human support, having been abandoned by even his closest kin and friends, Job was unwavering in his belief in a divine Redeemer who lives eternally. Earlier, he said, “Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high” (Job 16:19). In the depths of his suffering, Job made a remarkable plea. Job placed his trust in God as his Redeemer, the One who would ultimately redeem him from his sins and vindicate him against the false accusations of his peers.
He expressed his deepest hope that God, in His perfect righteousness, would ultimately stand as a witness to Job’s innocence. This is a fascinating twist because God had seemingly allowed hardship to befall Job, making it appear as if He contradicted Job’s claims. Yet, Job held onto the belief that God’s true nature, His inherent holiness and justice, would one day reveal the truth about Job’s situation. It’s a testament to Job’s unwavering faith that he trusted God to vindicate him, even when God’s actions seemed to suggest otherwise. This unwavering faith of Job serves as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us all to cling to our confidence and hope in the LORD, even in the darkest of times. His resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to the strength of faith in the LORD.
His anticipation extended beyond his present suffering to a future day of deliverance and vindication, a day he referred to with great confidence as “the latter day”. This is the ultimate day towards which all other days converge, the day in which all temporal days culminate. On that day, Job believed his Redeemer would stand to deliver him from death, ransoming him from the grave’s power.
Job’s hope was not limited to mere resurrection, but extended to a glorious resurrection. He expressed this hope vividly: “in my flesh shall I see God”. This reference to “flesh” signifies the new, glorified, incorruptible, spiritual body that the apostle Paul later described in 1 Corinthians 15. Job envisioned not just a return to life, but a transformed existence, where he would behold God with his own eyes in a body impervious to decay and corruption. This anticipation of a future resurrection, free from the limitations of our earthly bodies, can bring us comfort and hope in the midst of our trials, knowing that a glorious future awaits us in the presence of our Redeemer.
This profound hope resonates with all believers who endure trials of faith on this earth, and face the reality of death and the grave’s corruption. The blessed hope of resurrection and life before our Redeemer God is a promise that extends to all who trust in Him. As the apostle Paul writes in 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, “Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.”
In the same spirit as Job, believers today can find solace and strength in their Redeemer’s assurance of eternal life and the promise of a future resurrection. This ultimate hope is not merely a distant dream, but a profound reality grounded in the living, redeeming power of God. As we navigate our earthly trials, this hope sustains us, reminding us that our present sufferings are but a prelude to the eternal glory that awaits us in the presence of our Redeemer. Let us, therefore, hold fast to this hope, allowing it to comfort our hearts and establish us in every good word and work, as we await that glorious day when we shall see God face to face.