January 22 – Reading 22

January 22 – Reading 22

by Chris Rainey | January 22

“THE REDEEMER OF THE UNRAVELING”
(Job 18:1 – 21:34)

This terrible Russian war seems to be sucking the very life out of us. Every day, we observe an ocean of human suffering, rivers of tears, and mountains of destroyed lives. And somewhere in my soul, a traitorous thought creeps in: God, where are you? Why are you silent? Do you really not care? –Taras Dyatlik, Ukrainian Evangelical Seminary Leader

Somewhere in the world, someone is suffering in a way that he or she feels is undeserved, just as Job did. Previously, Job had experienced a life surrounded by a “hedge” of protection that shielded him from the adversary’s schemes. But now, Job feels trapped and “walled in” (19:8) by suffering that he cannot understand. The same God who had once seemed to shelter him now appears distant, as Job grapples with pain that defies reason. Maybe you’ve had a similar experience in the past . . . or even now.

Job next described the complete unraveling of his social standing (Job 19:13-19). He recounts how his brothers are estranged from him and his relatives refuse to speak to him. Friends and houseguests no longer acknowledge his presence, and even his servants treat him with contempt. Those who once respected him now regard him with scorn, as though he has committed an unspeakable crime. The isolation compounds his suffering, leaving him in utter despair.

And yet, just when it seems that all hope is lost, a spark of faith ignites within Job’s soul toward a redeemer. In Job 19:25-27, Job proclaims, “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God.” The word Job uses for “redeemer” (Hebrew goel) refers to a kinsman-redeemer—a close relative who would “redeem” a family member in times of trouble. Job looks beyond his present circumstances and envisions a day when his Redeemer will vindicate him. Even if it does not happen in his lifetime, Job clings to the hope that he will see God face-to-face.

What Job could only see vaguely in the distant future, we now see clearly in Jesus Christ,  the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer who stepped into human suffering to save us from sin and brokenness. Job’s cry reveals the deep vacuum that exists in the human soul—a need that only Christ can fill. Though Job lived long before the earthly birth of Christ, his words point us to the hope we now possess: our Redeemer lives! 

Let’s Pray…

Father, in the midst of any sorrow and pain, I ask you to restore hope in the ultimate Redeemer—Jesus. Regardless of what the events of today may bring, I trust in You, and hold to my faith in my Redeemer!