Job 19:25

MY LIVING REDEEMER

‘I know that my Redeemer liveth.’

Job 19:25

I. The office described—the Redeemer. He redeems from wrath and sin and the grave.

II. The life declared.—The Redeemer liveth—is the Living One; and though He died once, He lives again, and has ‘the power of an endless life.’

III. The interest claimed.—My Redeemer, Who remembered me in my lost estate—Who gave Himself for me, a ransom for my soul—Who has delivered me in part, and in Whom I trust that He will yet deliver.

IV. The knowledge possessed.—‘I know’ from the testimony of a well-accredited Revelation, and on the ground of my own experience. “He that believeth hath the witness in himself.”

V. The seasons when the thought of this is especially appropriate.

(a) On the return of the Lord’s Day. The early Christians were wont to salute one another on the first day of the week with ‘ The Lord is risen.’

(b) In seasons of painful bereavement. ‘My child is dead’—‘my husband is dead’—‘my friend is dead’—‘but I know that my Redeemer liveth.’

Illustration

‘To say “I hope so, I trust so” is comfortable; and there are thousands in the fold of Jesus who hardly ever get much further. But to reach the essence of consolation you must say “I know.” Ifs, buts, and perhapses are sure murderers of peace and comfort. Doubts are dreary things in times of sorrow. Like wasps they sting the soul! If I have any suspicion that Christ is not mine, then there is vinegar mingled with the gall of death; but if I know that Jesus lives for me, then darkness is not dark; even the night is light about me. Surely if Job, in those ages before the coming and advent of Christ, could say, “I know,” we should not speak less positively. God forbid that our positiveness should be presumption. Let us see that our evidences are right, lest we build upon an ungrounded hope; and then let us not be satisfied with the mere foundation, for it is from the upper rooms that we get the widest prospect. A living Redeemer, truly mine, is joy unspeakable.’