I wish that my word could be written down or chiseled into rock. I know that my Savior lives, and at the end he will stand on this earth. Job 19:23-25 (CEV)
Chapters 3-37 of Job are tricky. I have probably heard them quoted out of context more than most other Scripture. Many of the verses when isolated sound really positive and constructive but when put in the context of the whining, eschewed viewpoint of Elihu, Bildad, and Eliphaz they mean something very different!
Job also has a problem with allowing himself to be swayed by his friends, ending up with his foot firmly placed in his mouth. I know how he feels! It is in verses like Chapter 19 verses 23-25 that I rejoice with Job! “I don’t know much any more! Life has sent me a curve ball and I don’t even know how to swing the bat! But I know this: My Redeemer lives! And in the End – He will stand on the earth as The King!â€
Job has just said in Chapter 13 verse 15: “Even though God may kill me, I am going to keep hoping in Himâ€. Despite the un-helpfulness of those around him, he digs his nails in and hangs on. The writer of the book of Hebrews did not include Job in his list of ‘faithful’ but God Himself said this about Job (to satan no less!):
God said to Satan, “Have you noticed my friend Job? There’s no one quite like him—honest and true to his word, totally devoted to God and hating evil.”       Job 1:8 (The Message)
Why does God say this about Job? Because when times are really, really tough and God doesn’t explain Himself or His actions – Job hangs on and clings to what he knows is true: His Redeemer is real. Job knows Him personally. Job doesn’t have to see or hear God to know that He is still there. That comes with having intimate knowledge in a relationship. It takes work. It takes commitment. It takes obedience. It takes love – God’s unconditional love.
Paul says in his letter to the church at Ephesus that I should imitate God and live my life filled with servant-sacrificial love just as Jesus did (Ephesians 5). Imitate the One that I know. Then I will come to know Him more and so will everyone who comes into my path today.
