My Redeemer Lives
The most defining time for our faith is usually in our darkest hour. In the moments of our greatest need, we reveal the foundation upon which our faith is built. A life built on presumption and wishful thinking cannot withstand the storms. Our peace and comfort are easily stolen from us, when doubts prevail. Faith, built on the Rock, Jesus alone, is what takes the sting out of the times of sorrow and what shines a light in our night.
In the time when Job had lost his children, wealth and health, he declares: “For I know that my Redeemer lives and at the last he will stand upon the earth.” (Job 19:25) While in prison in Rome and shortly before he was beheaded, Paul writes: “I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.” (II Tim. 1:12) One’s life is like a cup filled with water. When it is shaken, what is on the inside comes out.
Notice that Job and Paul both said, “I know.” There was no, “I hope so” or “it would be nice,” in their confessions. Both expressed a certainty of faith and they declared it with boldness. They recognized that the things of this world were temporary and passing away, and yet they were looking beyond the visible to their Redeemer. If Job, centuries before Christ, could be so confident, we, even more, should declare: “I know.”
Faith is built on knowing a Person. Job says, “my Redeemer.” He was taking possession of the Redeemer, in faith. The circumstances were adverse, but his faith was firm. It was the possession that a thief could not steal and rust could not destroy. Paul trusted the Lord with all, that he was given. You see, what we place in the hand of our Redeemer, He will guard.
This hymn written in the 19th century is a great declaration on our faith:
The Solid Rock (by Keith W. Ward)
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’s blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
Refrain:
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
Scriptures to meditate on:
Job 19:25; II Tim. 1:12; Acts 4:23-31; 16:23-33; Mat. 7:24-27