By Pastor Tom Kline, Castlegar Baptist Church
"For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me." (Job 19:25-27)
Those of you who are familiar with Job in the Bible, know that he faced some very difficult days. Within a short period of time his children were all killed and his material wealth was taken from him. I can't imagine all of the sorrows he and his wife must have felt. Nevertheless, Job kept his faith in God. I believe that the main source of Job's strength during those hard times is found in the opening words of the Scripture above: "I know that my Redeemer liveth." Regardless of what circumstances brought or what others thought of Job, he had an anchor for his soul and it was the knowledge that his Saviour lives. Jesus Christ is the risen Redeemer who died on an old rugged cross, not for crimes that He had done but for all of the sins committed by you and me. He was taken down from the cross and laid in a tomb. Yet after three nights in the grave He arose from the dead and is alive forever more. The message of Easter is the message of resurrection.
Many will celebrate Easter this month. Some will hunt for colorful eggs, exchange baskets of candy and many will attend church. But how many can say with Job, "I know that my Redeemer lives"? Have you by faith asked the living Saviour, Jesus Christ, to redeem your life from sin, to cleanse your soul and trusted Him to give you eternal life? If you have you can also say with Job, "Though my body will decay in the grave, yet in a resurrected body I shall see God; mine eyes shall behold Him. Because He lives, I too shall live on long after death has its ways with this old body of mine."
This is no fairy tale my friend. Job knew that although his Redeemer would die one day outside Jerusalem for man's sins, yet He would rise from the dead and Job too would be raised from the dead to meet God face to face. Millions of others throughout history have found the same hope that lifted up Job's weary head and gave him hope for all eternity. The Lord is risen indeed. Have a wonderful Easter.