He Lives!

He Lives!

For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: Job 19:25 KJV

Job had gone through an unusual and quite painful experience. He had lost all that he had and knew, and even his body wasn't really what he recognised anymore. His wife had advised him to curse God and die, and he now had friends who felt his piety was a cover up: pretence to be what he was not. No matter how hard he tried, his friends weren't convinced he wasn't the reason for his dire predicament. What do you do when your actions are interpreted wrongly, and men cast aspersions on your character and intentions? How do you change the opinions of men who have made up their minds about you?

Actually, the reactions of men to you are outside your immediate control, so you can't really let that bother you. The most important questions are these: Who do I know? What do I seek? How do I hold on to the end? Job's statement here kind of covers these. No matter what goes on around you, be very sure about the One living inside you. There is nothing that can prepare you for the shock and awe that the world will bring, but you will only stand to the end if you know the One called the Redeemer. 

Job knew Him, and his heart could rejoice, even in his terrible physical state. The hope tied to this knowledge keeps you sane in an insane world, and it is this expectation of great things that keep you holding on to the end. The end is coming: there is no doubt about that. If men were to inherit this world, they would not have to physically die, but death is a precursor to the amazing things God has promised. One day, Jesus will return to the earth, and He will stand as the Righteous Judge. He calls out, seeeking men who will allow Him work in them that which is His good will.

The question then remains: how do you respond to this God who calls? Do you know Him at all? For those who claim to know Him, does He also know you as His own? He is coming back to take with Him those who are eagerly expecting Him, and the one way you can qualify if for Him to be your redeemer. Have you surrendered? Is He in charge? His time of favour is here.