“I Know My Redeemer Lives”
BRD REFLECTIONS:
Job 29, 30 and Psalm 126 (NIV)
(Lim Cheng Geok, BRD Committee )
READ:
Job 29, 30 and Psalm 126 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
In chapter 29, Job recalls his past life: the respect he had garnered (v7-10, 21-25) and the righteous life he had lived (v11-17). He experienced God’s protection and friendship (v2, 4). He had thought his life would remain like that forever (v18-20).
In chapter 30, Job laments that those who used to respect him, now disdain and mock him (v1-15). Even his beloved God, he feels, has abandoned him and ignores his cries for help (v16-23). He is in deep turmoil and distress (v24-31).
Psalm 126, written by a different author and in different circumstances, also recalls a past joyful time when the Lord had restored the fortunes of Zion (v1-3). Now, however, they find themselves again asking God to restore their lost fortunes, simultaneously declaring that though they sow in tears, they “shall reap with shouts of joy” (v5).
APPLY:
I have not faced the kind of suffering Job experienced, but my family and I had a difficult few years dealing with a loved one’s mental health issues which included paranoia, depression, several attempted suicides, and eventually actual suicide. As the main care-giver for this loved one, I often felt very alone and desperate as well as inadequate, angry and resentful. Prayer seemed totally meaningless.
There were glimmers of light in the despair: the prayerful support of my Bible study group, a fulfilling job and an entertaining bunch of toddler nieces and nephews. They all helped provide perspective. Difficult as that experience was, I look back with gratitude because it transformed my relationship with God, changed my perspective on life and allowed God to lead me on a completely different path from the one I was on.
As Job processed his suffering, his changing perspectives changed his understanding of God. Back in Chapter 19:25-27, his wider perspective had allowed him a glimpse of a brighter day to come: “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth.” By the end of the book, Job is able to humbly acknowledge God’s sovereignty and omnipotence, confessing he had uttered what he did not understand, things too wonderful for him, which he did not know (42:3b).
DO:
In good times and especially the bad, I will remember:
- to see the bigger picture: my Redeemer lives!
- that God is sovereign, faithful and good
PRAY:
Dear sovereign Lord and loving heavenly Father, it’s difficult to suffer and see the suffering of others. Forgive me the times I have usurped Your throne and judged You as unfair and uncaring. In Jesus’ life and sacrifice, I see the breadth and depth of Your compassion and love. Help me to have Job’s humble wisdom and the Psalmist’s trusting optimism and joy. Comfort those going through difficult and challenging times I pray. May they experience Your healing and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
