My Redeemer Lives
By Pastor Phillip Rutledge
Job 19:25 (NIV) I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.
Some years now my sister asked me, “Where do you get the ideas for writing your column?” Well, as a Christian, I believe the Holy Spirit works in me and through me. 1 Corinthians 2 speaks about wisdom from the Holy Spirit. I hope and pray that this column evolves by the prompting, guidance and wisdom of the same Spirit.
A good friend once sent me a link to a video about an inspiring story of Team Hoyt, a father and son team that together have run over one thousand races since 1977 ranging from 5k to Ironman. My scepticism regarding most things coming by way of the internet and emails led me to research Team Hoyt. Much to my amazement I found the story to be true.
The video played to the music of Nicole C. Mullen singing Redeemer. The song was awesome and the video heart-warming. I found my inspiration for a column. I would encourage you to check out their website at www.teamhoyt.com
The song and the video led me to ponder my Redeemer. By definition, to redeem is to restore the honour or worth of something; to pay a ransom, exchange or to buy back.
The words “my Redeemer lives” come straight out of the book of Job. Job was a man of God. The Life Application Study Bible by Zondervan describe the book of Job as “… a gripping drama of riches-to- rags-to-riches, a theological treatise about suffering and divine sovereignty, and a picture of faith that endures”.
Job 19:25 For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth.
The book of Job is forty two chapters but here is a brief synopsis of the story. Unbeknownst to Job, Satan was questioning God about Job’s faith. The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord. – Job 1:12 (NIV)
Satan then destroyed all that belonged to Job, yet Job remained faithful to God. Satan then thought if he attacked Job’s health, Job would curse God. The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life.” – Job 2:6 (NIV)
In the face of all that Satan did to him and his family, Job remained faithful to God.
Like Job, Dick Hoyt and his son Rick suffered hardship. Somehow they found direction and the strength to overcome the hurdles in their lives and God blessed them in ways they could not imagine when they set out to run their first race.
Throughout our lives people will be exposed to challenges. Some folks might be subjected to great loss or tragedy. They might also question why God would allow such things to happen. I can’t begin to explain this but I know the One who can. I hope they remember Satan’s part in Job’s life. Perhaps reading Job will offer some enlightenment.
The road may not always be smooth. If and when trouble or tragedy strikes in your life I hope and pray that you will have the strength and conviction of Job and Dick Hoyt and remember your Redeemer lives. – S.D.G.