Derek Smith, Lead Pastor LHBC
Job 19:23-26
“Oh that my words were written!
Oh that they were inscribed in a book!
Oh that with an iron pen and lead
they were engraved in the rock forever!
For I know that my Redeemer lives,
and at the last he will stand upon the earth.
And after my skin has been thus destroyed,
yet in my flesh I shall see God
A few days ago we looked at the example of Job and how to respond when life falls apart. This got me to thinking. Where do you turn when it matters most? Some have asked the question “how do people make it who don’t know Jesus?” The truth is they don’t. Isn’t that the point? Scripture says all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. The wages of sin is death. I mean that’s not very hopeful language! There is no hope apart from our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 4:13 says that Children of God don’t grieve as others who have no hope. Ephesians 2:12 says that apart from being made alive in Christ we are without God and have no hope in this world. Colossians 1:13 says that salvation is the Lord rescuing us from the domain of darkness. The atheist, the agnostic, the person following a false religion doesn’t make it! They spend eternity separated from God in hell. That ought to drive us to share the gospel and the love of Jesus with a hopeless world, because He is the only hope we have!
So, where do you turn when it matters most? When tragedy strikes, hardship comes, and life runs you over like a tractor trailer barreling down the highway where do you turn? Do you turn to alcohol or drugs? Do you turn to food or shopping or a hobby? Do you turn to some form of sexual pleasure? When it mattered most Job turned to the Lord. He had questions, but he still set his hope on Christ. Specifically here He tells us where His hope was grounded and where ours should be as well.
- HIS HOPE WAS IN THE WORD OF GOD
Job says he wished his words were inscribed in a book. Then he goes a step further and declares his desire that his words be etched in stone. Here’s the cool thing: his words were inscribed in a book, and it’s the book of all books, the Word of God! When it mattered most he turned to the Lord and His promise of eternal life. So too, when it matters most we must cling to the promises of God. He promises to provide for us, protect us, empower us, strengthen us, give us wisdom, and receive us into His Kingdom upon death simply because of what Jesus did for us on the cross! We have precious and magnificent promises given to us by the Lord Himself, so cling to them and claim them right in the midst of the struggle!
- HIS HOPE WAS IN THE LIVING GOD
Job was surrounded in his day by people and nations that worshipped all kinds of man made deities. Today, we are surrounded by the same. Some hope in money, others in material possessions, still others hope in power or prestige, and some seek security in earthly relationships. Some worship physical idols. Our only hope is in the living God! Our Redeemer lives! He is not some dead god or prophet from years gone by who is still in the grave. Jesus died for our sins on the cross, but He rose from the dead for our justification. His promises will come to pass because He is alive to ensure that they do. He hears and answers prayer because He is alive seated at the right hand of God interceding for us! When it matters most remember that Jesus is alive, and we serve a God who conquered death. If He conquered the grave what can He not handle in my life and yours today?
When it matters most turn to Jesus! In the midst of the battle know that His Word is true and His power is over all. The tomb of Christ is empty and Satan is defeated forever. It may seem as if the enemy is running a muck on this earth, but soon the Lord will return to cast him into hell forever. May this be our heart’s cry when it matters most, “I know that my Redeemer lives!”
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Dear Lord, I know that you are God. Jesus, you are my risen Savior! I know that Satan is defeated and the war for my soul has been won! My hope is in you Lord so I will not be shaken. When it matters most I will put my trust in you alone. In Jesus name, amen.
MEMORY VERSE FOR THE WEEK:
Psalm 119:11
I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.