Lord’s Day, Vol. 8 No. 22

I Know That My Redeemer Lives

Job suffered the severest calamities of anyone in the Bible. His whole world came tumbling down as he lost his possessions, his family, his health, and the respect of his peers.

From the pages that record the unequalled sufferings of Job emerges one of the most radiant promises of the Bible: “God… gives songs in the night” (Job 35:10). Job knew well this beautiful providence of God. When the curtain of catastrophe fell over his soul, a shaft of brilliant sunlight broke through his black sky and God gave him the sublime song, “I know that my Redeemer liveth!”

Job’s song in the night is the most radiant text on immortality in the Old Testament. From his pit of futility Job rises to his pinnacle of faith, as described in the most memorable passage of this noble book. A shaft of brilliant sunlight breaks through the dark clouds that overshadow him and he exclaims:

Job 19:25-27. 25 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.

Handel caught the immortal cadences and set it to the stirring soprano strains of his Messiah. This composition, perhaps the greatest single piece of Christian music, has sung its way into hearts around the world. Job’s song in the night, given to him by God, resonates across the millenniums to our living rooms and hearts. We hear and thrill to its staunch affirmation each Advent and Easter season.

From the Old Testament book of deepest darkness has come the song of most radiant light! From the Old Testament’s greatest tragedy comes the song of grandest triumph! God turns our sorrows into symphonies! 

“I know” is the affirmation of Job. He did not say, “I hope” or “I think.” He declares, “I know.” There need be no equivocation on this central issue of our lives. We too can know that Christ lives and, as Job, can know him as “my” Redeemer.

With inspired foresight, Job anticipates centuries in advance our Lord’s coming to earth, the supreme event of history. Job exclaims of his desire to behold the Lord, “How my heart yearns within me.” If Job, in the misty dawn of history, could express this yearning, how much more should we – who have known His mighty life, His infinite sacrifice, His unfailing love, and grace. May we have a deep yearning for that day when our eyes shall behold our Saviour and the Lord of glory. It will be the supreme event of our lives.

Job was but the forerunner of the great company to whom God would give songs in the night. We of the Christian era, who are children of the Resurrection, can live with great affirmation, realization, and anticipation of the risen Christ.

Are we going through a night season? Have dark shadows fallen across your pathway? Listen. God has a song in the night for you. And the transforming truth of Job’s song, that can be your song, will make all the difference for time and eternity.

[Extracted and edited from Songs in the Night by Henry Gariepy] 

The rapture of the church is the single greatest event that consummates the church age. It will be worth it all when we see Jesus. Our loved ones who sleep in the Lord will be awakened first, to be given glorified bodies, and the redeemed, together, would be glorified and ushered bodily to heaven. Jesus will reward His servants. There is a time of great rejoicing coming! 

May this blessed hope strengthens His church to watch and pray (Matthew 24:42), undergirding the church to steadfastness and faithful service knowing that our labour is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58). Amen.

Yours loving,

Pastor Lek Aik Wee