6 Minute Read + Scripture readings
Today’s Bible Reading:
Exodus 2
Luke 5
Job 19
1 Corinthians 6
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
“But I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the end he will stand on the dust. Even after my skin has been destroyed, yet I will see God in my flesh. I will see him myself; my eyes will look at him, and not as a stranger. My heart longs within me.”
Job 19:25-27 (CSB)
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
Job was in the pit of despair. Life had collapsed around him. He was overwhelmed with grief and did not see how his problems could be remedied. This is a recipe for a deep, dark depression.
Since his life now brought him such sorrow, he looked up and to the horizon. He looked forward to the time when he would be with his Redeemer forever in a happy, soul-satisfying, unbroken relationship.
Ultimately, he was looking forward to being with Jesus, even though Job didn’t know who Jesus was and it would be a very, very long time before Jesus arrived in Bethlehem. Job’s words were prophetic and filled with hope. He was looking forward to being with his Redeemer.
Romans 3:24 (CSB): “They are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”
Galatians 3:13 (CSB): “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, because it is written, Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”
Ephesians 1:7 (CSB): “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace”
Friend, are you struggling right now? Has life turned out to be a bit different than what you had hoped?
Then do what Job did. You must! Set your eyes on Jesus and the time when you will be with Him forever.
Honestly, this is a lesson I learned when I was running half-marathons (13.1-mile races). When I was growing tired, it could become overwhelming if I looked down at my feet. I was struggling and it felt like the race would never end. Yet, if I kept my mind on the finish line and thought about the happiness of finishing and then resting, I was able to endure the pain in the moment.
Abraham understood this principle, too. Life had been filled with unmet expectations. God had called him to leave Ur and head west. Yet, when he arrived in Canaan, he never owned a single plot of land, except for where he buried his wife. So, he kept his eyes on the finish line.
Hebrews 11:9-10 (CSB): “By faith he stayed as a foreigner in the land of promise, living in tents as did Isaac and Jacob, coheirs of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”
Even Jesus kept His eyes on the prize so that He could endure.
Hebrews 12:1-2 (CSB): “… Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
So, keep your chin up, friend. Keep your eyes on the finish line. Keep your eyes on the time when you will get to be with Jesus forever.
Luke 21:28 (CSB): “But when these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near.”
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Lord Jesus, please help me to keep my eyes on You today. Help me to get my happiness and hope from thinking about that day when I will be with You forever. Amen.
Matt’s Musings 