Pastor's Corner: 'I know that my redeemer lives'

Let me tell you a story about a very wealthy rancher who lived a long time ago. He and his wife had 10 children, a thriving ranch teeming with herds and flocks. In one day, this man and his wife lost all 10 of their children to a severe windstorm. On one day shortly after that, they had all of their livestock either stolen or killed. On another day shortly after that, this man - most probably very healthy normally - this man was struck with a severe case of boils. When all of this happened to this man and his wife, so intense was the acute loss they felt and the grief that they experienced, that this man's wife advised him to curse God and die.

By now, you have probably figured out that the man about which I am writing is a man in the Bible by the name of Job. Job did not curse God and die. Instead, he blessed the name of the Lord. One particular phrase that he uttered in his agony has become quite popular: Job said, "I know that my Redeemer lives!" Specifically, he said, Job 19:25-27, "I know that my Redeemer lives, 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!"

I would like to make four points with regards to this Redeemer:

1. Who is this Redeemer?

2. We need this Redeemer because we are sinners.

3. How did this Redeemer redeem?

4. How shall we respond to this Redeemer?

Who is this Redeemer? He is a God who loves you! Using the Scriptures in the Old Testament that use the word "Redeemer," we find out that this Redeemer is: your Rock; the Most High; the Holy One of Israel; Israel's King; the Lord Almighty; the First and the Last; the only God; the One who formed you in the womb; Creator; Faithful; the One who has chosen you; the Mighty One of Jacob; your Maker; your husband; the God of all the earth; the One with everlasting kindness; the One with compassion; our Father; and the One who is strong.

We need this Redeemer because we are sinners. Romans 3:23 - "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 6:23 - "For the wages of sin is death..." What kind of death? Physical death - subject to the law of death; moral death - this started immediately after they sinned; spiritual death - relationship with God destroyed; and eternal death - spiritually condemned and separated from God forever.

How did this Redeemer redeem? Jesus died for us! Romans 6:23 - "...but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 5:8 - "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." He is our helper - Isaiah 41:14 - "...I Myself will help you,' declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel." He is our Savior - Isaiah 49:26; 60:16 - "...I, the Lord, am your Savior, your Redeemer..." He is our defender - Jeremiah 50:34 - "Yet their Redeemer is strong... He will vigorously defend their cause..." He is our bringer of rest - Jeremiah 50:34 - "Yet their Redeemer is strong... He may bring rest to their land..."

How shall we respond to this Redeemer? We must repent - Isaiah 59:20 - "'The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins,' declares the Lord." We must be teachable - Isaiah 48:17 - "This is what the Lord says - your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: 'I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you ...'" We must allow the Lord to lead us - Isaiah 48:17 - "This is what the Lord says - your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: 'I am the Lord your God, ... who directs you in the way you should go.'"

How about you? Will you respond to Jesus Christ, this Redeemer, by A) repenting of your sin and making a 180 degree turnaround with His help? B) being teachable, willing to learn from anyone God sends your way? C) allowing the Lord to lead you, knowing that His plan for your life is truly the best plan? Please respond to your Redeemer today so that you can say with full assurance like Job of old: Job 19:25-27 "I know that my Redeemer lives, 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!"

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Written by the Rev. Edroy "Curt" Curtis, president of the Greater Havre Area Ministerial Association; chaplain of Northern Montana Health Care; and lead pastor of Havre Assembly of God Church.