Read Job 19:23-29

“For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth; And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God…” (Job 19:25–26)

The words of Job here are extraordinary and highly Messianic in nature.

You have to remember, Job was likely not an Israelite and his story is considered by some as the oldest book in the Bible (note: not the oldest story, of course, but the oldest written account). The time period in which Job lived is debatable, but one thing is for certain, his origins are extremely early. I personally believe he lived sometime after the great flood in Genesis 8, but before the call of Abraham (Genesis 12). He at least lived sometime before the call of Moses (Exodus 2).

In any case, Job’s theology about God is remarkable. Like a gift given by surprise, Job presents the doctrines of Redemption, the Incarnation of God, the future Resurrection, and even the Day on which Christ would rule the earth — in one sweeping statement of praise. Let’s break this down simply:

“For I know that my Redeemer lives…”

First, Job recognized God as his Redeemer — the deliverer of his soul from the misery of this earth and the consequences of a broken world. How God would ultimately redeem Job was a mystery, but we today who have the full revelation of God know that it was by the cross of Christ.

“And He shall stand at last on the earth…”

Job further recognized that God would one day at last stand on the earth, which not only implied the Messiah’s future reign, but that God would in fact take on some physical form like a human. Job may very well have been the first prophet in the post-flood world! For all of the prophets after him would declare of the day that the future Savior — the God-Man, the Messiah — would make His stand on the Earth as Ruler over all.

“And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, Which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, From east to west…” (Zechariah 14:4)

“For behold, the Lord is coming out of His place; He will come down And tread on the high places of the earth. The mountains will melt under Him, And the valleys will split Like wax before the fire, Like waters poured down a steep place.” (Micah 1:3–4)

(See also Zechariah 14:8-9)

Job continues with a statement that undoubtedly speaks toward the resurrection of God’s people.

“And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God.”

Notice that Job recognized an obvious time of death for his body (his skin), and yet even still, after the destruction of his flesh, he would still in his flesh see God. Job had his sights on the resurrection!

What can we say to such things? If Job, who only vaguely knew all that we know today, could put His faith in God as the Ruling Resurrected Redeemer, how much more can we who have the full revelation of God in His Word trust in such marvelous truths?!

Beloved, you are redeemed by the Redeemer. He shed His precious blood for you. (see Ephesians 1:7)

Beloved, you will rise again by the Resurrected Redeemer. He rose on the third day to justify and ratify your eternal life in Him. (see Romans 6:5,8 and 1 Corinthians 15:35-49)

Beloved, you will rule and reign as kings and priests with the Ruling Resurrected Redeemer in the Millennial Kingdom — that final day when His feet are planted on this earth as King of Kings and all the nations shall flock to Him as the Great Shepherd. (see 1 Peter 2:9)

“…Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (Revelation 1:5–6)

Never lose hope. Always trust in Christ. May the song of your heart be that which Job cried out several thousand years ago: “I know my Redeemer lives! I shall see Him! And at last, will be with Him when He reigns!”

Amen!