Today's Reading: Job 19:23-37

Daily Lectionary: Exodus 17:1-16; Hebrews 11:1-29 

"For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth." (Job 19:25)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. No one needs to convince you that over the last two years we have seen and experienced the sharpness of death. From the ongoing pandemic to wars being fought in Europe, we are constantly under the shadow of death in this life. Job experienced the tragic loss of his own family. He lost his possessions, his health, and even his sons and daughters, who perished when a severe storm destroyed the house where they were assembled. On hearing this news, Job felt thoroughly stripped of everything. He tore his robe, fell to the ground, and exclaimed, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised" (Job 1:21).

Left alone in his sin, his shame, and nakedness Job would surely not survive such tragic losses. Likewise we who have encountered and engaged with the sharpness of death around us are useless if we are left on our own. Job survived in the faith He had been given. A faith that confessed, "I know that my Redeemer lives" (Job 19:25). It meant that he, too, would rise again from the grave. But even more! Job was to live many more years. God gave him a second family and enabled him to see "his children and their children to the fourth generation" (Job 42:16).

God has not promised that He would end pandemics or wars or replace lost families, but He has solemnly declared, "I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10). Also He says, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). This grace is given to us in its fullness in Jesus Christ, His Son, who gave His life for our salvation. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

He lives to grant me rich supply; He lives to guide me with His eye; He lives to comfort me when faint; He lives to hear my soul's complaint. ("I Know That My Redeemer Lives" LSB 461, st.4)

-Rev. Kent Schaaf is pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Little Rock, AR.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Duane Bamsch

Over eight sessions, The Messiah: Revealing Jesus in the Old Testament will lead you through the entirety of the Old Testament with daily readings, questions, and discussion prompts. After a brief introduction that reviews Christ's earthly ministry, you will dive into the heart of the Holy Books that have spiritually nourished God's people from creation to today! Now available from Concordia Publishing House.