Job 19:23-27a (NRSV)
Read Job 19:23-27a on biblegateway.com
Verse 23"O that my words were written down! O that they were inscribed in a book! Verse 24O that with an iron pen and with lead they were engraved on a rock forever! Verse 25For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that at the last he will stand upon the earth; Verse 26and after my skin has been thus destroyed, then in my flesh I shall see God, Verse 27whom I shall see on my side, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. My heart faints within me!
Devotion
Life's been good. I'm ready to go anytime. Jim, a 91 year old, had been speaking of living his life cradled in faith, trusting in the Good News of God's loving forgiveness and blessing. I responded, "That's a real statement of faith, Jim. I'll bet it brings Jesus great joy." How many times as members of the community of faith has it been our privilege to hear such expressions of trust from people of faith! In our reading, Job, surrounded by the rubble of his former life, is graced with the gift of a firm conviction of faith. Every sentence an exclamation, he expresses confidence in the power of God to redeem his circumstances in ways that will last for eternity. His words, worthy in Job's view to be carved into bedrock with an "iron pen," become a witness to us for generations—a statement of faith that in turn builds our own.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, today I bring to you my present circumstances. Giving you my fears, my failures and my flaws, I declare my trust in your redeeming power to make all things new. Amen.