One Final Thought for 2015
“I know that my Redeemer lives . . .” – Job 19:25
Ordinarily I would not be writing this as it has been my custom these past eleven years to publish only fifty of these weekly messages per year, thus last week’s being “Issue 50” should have been the end. However, considering the turbulence in our world today and the sense of fear, insecurity and vulnerability it has brought upon us, I feel compelled to share one final thought, and I’d like to begin by referencing the book of Job.
Job is a story about a good and righteous man who through no fault of his own fell on hard times. In fact, he lost everything – his wealth, his health, his family. Even his friends abandoned him, or at least their belief in his integrity. Job himself, having no knowledge of the cosmic wager between God and Satan, could not comprehend the injustices he was suffering either, and begged God to explain. Don’t we all?
Job’s rapid descent from the penthouse to the poorhouse for no good reason serves to remind us of our own vulnerability, as if we need reminding during such times as these. When will the next mass shooting erupt, we ask ourselves, the next 9/11 attack, the next natural disaster, financial collapse, debilitating or fatal disease, and how close to home will they hit? Like Job it could happen to any of us anytime. We’re all vulnerable.
So where do we look for hope? Again we turn to Job who, though in the depths of misery, offers this beautiful soliloquy of faith and hope. “I know that my Redeemer lives,” he proclaims, “and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes – I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” These words are at the very heart of the story and are at the very heart of our own story in our own time. “I know that my Redeemer lives,” is good news of great joy for all people, words that give me comfort and hope, peace and joy in spite of the turbulent times in which we live. I hope they do you as well. And that’s the one final thought I felt compelled to share with you. May God bless you one and all during this Christmas season!