I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God. Job 19:25-26
Job presented his complaint to God in the form of a legal trial. In those days a “redeemer” was normally a close relative who would provide legal assistance at a trial for someone who couldn’t defend themselves. Job needed a redeemer and in this breakthrough moment Job realised that God, himself, had someone in mind who would redeem his situation. Job’s faith hits a high point. There’s an end in sight, even if it’s beyond death.
Job was being prophetic. Today we know Jesus Christ is our Mediator and our Redeemer (1 Timothy 2:5). One who acts as our intercessor and pleads our case (Romans 8:34). Job didn’t know this, but he knew God would provide. Much like God provided a ram for Abraham to sacrifice on Mount Moriah (Genesis 22:8, 13-14).
Furthermore, Job believed he would see God beyond death. For a moment he glimpsed the big picture and realised that this life wasn’t all there was. Suffering only makes sense when we look at the big picture of God’s purposes and realise our lives are temporal compared to eternity.
Having made this breakthrough, it would be nice to think that Job rested in this knowledge but Job continues to complain that God was being unfair to him (27:1-6). His moments of faith are short-lived and the reality of his situation again takes prominence in his mind. Nevertheless, he doesn’t abandon his hope in God (27:7-10).
Always remember, nothing is so awful that it would warrant abandoning hope in God.
