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
Job was enduring trials and tribulations that rival today’s evils or any Halloween horror movie. Job suffers! And questions God. “Why? Where are you in all of this, God?” And yet, even in the questioning, Job refuses to give up on God. Rather, he speaks these wondrous words of faith in the midst of doubt and despair—words that we, as Christians, now are certain point us to Jesus: “For I know that my Redeemer lives…and at the last…I shall see God.”
On this Hallowed Eve, may we, too, like Job, refuse to give up! In spite of the challenges and evil that threaten to overpower us and our world, we hang on. We question. We wonder and ask all the why’s we have within us. And then, like Job, we dare to get up and face another day. Not understanding the mystery. But trusting that in Jesus we have what we need for life. Because God is on our side.
Prayer
Redeeming God, thank you that in the gift of Jesus we have the assurance that we are not alone in our struggles. Show us where we can best use our time and talents to fight against the powers of evil and injustice, that all who suffer might come to know of your redeeming and healing love that is ours in Jesus. Amen.