Based on a series of sermons preached in PCC Prayer Meetings in 2023-2024
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
Job 19:25-27
Job suffered profoundly. Indeed, if you asked anyone familiar with the Bible to name someone who suffered most intensely in biblical history, you will almost inevitably receive the answer, “Job!” Even ChatGPT returns that answer. But it is not the correct answer. Job is but a type of Christ who suffered far more intensely than he did. Nevertheless, numerous nuggets within the book are helpful to meditate on when facing severe trials.
Job 19:25-27 is one such nugget that has generated considerable excitement amongst biblical scholars. Sadly, the excitement is not over how comforting it is, but because it reveals a truth that many do not expect to hear from someone living around two thousand BC or earlier!
This is Job’s profound testimony amid his suffering. It is spoken in response to his friend Bildad’s insistence that he must be suffering as a consequence of divine retribution for his moral failings. Job is experiencing what the wicked inevitably experience, Bildad insists. His light will be snuffed out (18:5-6), he will be trapped in a snare (18:8-10), destruction and terrors are greedy for him (18:11-15), and his memory will be blotted out (18:16-19).
Job is vexed by these crushing words (19:2). Though he admits that he has indeed experienced some of the things Bildad insists are reserved for the wicked, he wants to put on record his deep conviction that God will ultimately vindicate him.
His testimony can be reduced to three essential points of conviction, which, taken together, can be the basis of unshakable comfort in suffering for those who believe. Simply stated, he believes (1) In the Redeemer, (2) In the Incarnation, and (3) In the Resurrection.
1. He Believes in the Redeemer
“For I know that my redeemer liveth,” he says (v. 25a).
This theologically profound statement distinguishes Job from his friends and persecutors. The word ‘redeemer’ translates the Hebrew גָּאַל (gaw-al’). It refers to a next-of-kin who takes it upon himself to help a kinsman in dire straits. For example, he would rescue the kinsman from slavery by paying off his debts. Or, he would buy back the land sold by an impoverished kinsman—like what Boaz did for Naomi and Ruth. Or, he would avenge the death of his kinsman if he were murdered.
However, the redeemer that Job speaks about is not a mere man, for he speaks of seeing him as seeing God in verse 26. We do not doubt that Job is looking at the Lord Jesus Christ with eyes of faith and hope.
By his statement, “I know that my redeemer liveth,” he declares a few things.
First, he declares that Christ will fight for him. Even though his friends would fight against him rather than for or with him, his redeemer would fight for him.
Secondly, he declares that his acceptance by God is ultimately found not in himself but in Christ, his redeemer.
But if God accepts Him for who he is and what he has done, why does he need a redeemer? He needs a redeemer because, ultimately, he is bankrupt.
Thirdly, he declares that Christ, his redeemer, will never die.
Fourthly, he declares that Christ, his redeemer, will save him despite his unworthiness.
Do you believe in the same things, dear reader? More to the point, do you believe Christ is your redeemer too?
2. He Believes in the Incarnation
Job declares:
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
v. 25b-26
Can you see how Job is saying that when he sees his redeemer, he shall see God? In other words, he is essentially testifying that his redeemer is God himself and that He will take on human flesh. In other words, he believes in the incarnation: God taking on human nature to dwell amongst men.
Why is it essential to believe this truth amid suffering? It is important because God cannot suffer, and man cannot do anything about our suffering. But if our redeemer is God, who takes on human flesh, we have a compassionate redeemer who is also able to deliver us and vindicate us in our severest trials. Do you believe in the incarnation?
3. He Believes in the Resurrection
“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,” he declares (v. 26-27).
It is clear that Job is not simply speaking about seeing God by faith. He is undoubtedly convinced that he will rise from the decay of death and will see his redeemer God with restored bodily eyes.
What a profound statement of faith from the lips of someone who lived more than a thousand years before the resurrection of Christ. But the doctrine of the resurrection must surely stand as one of the most comforting truths for someone who is suffering severe bodily affliction. This is especially so for those who see no prospect of recovery in this life.
Job did not know that he would recover in his lifetime, but he believed that after he died and his body had wholly disintegrated, he would be restored to life and see his redeemer. Therefore, all the afflictions he suffered in this life were temporal and reversible.
What about you? Do you believe in the resurrection? If you do, cease to lament your present bodily decline; instead, look forward to your future glory and the perfect fellowship you will enjoy with your redeemer and all the saints made perfect.
Conclusion
Do you believe, as Job did? Do you believe in your redeemer, that he was conceived and born for you and rose again for your justification? If you do, blessed are you! No trial and sorrow can knock you off course as long you walk by faith in your redeemer, believing He came for you and that being united to Him, you will rise again as He did. Amen.
—JJ Lim