“My breath is offensive to my wife; I am loathsome to my own family. Even the little boys scorn me; when I appear, they ridicule me. All my intimate friends detest me; those I love have turned against me. I am nothing but skin and bones; I have escaped only by the skin of my teeth.”
Job 19:17-20 NIV
Author of Creation,
That is a bad day. Maybe mine is not so bad. Your Word covers the history of You and mankind – and is so incredibly vivid and real. Nothing but skin and bones! Escaped by the skin of my teeth! Job leaves no doubt about he feels both physically and mentally. And even shares his little boys, his friends and his wife’s point of view.
By the skin of my teeth? How ridiculous and yet so explanationary! Job was amazed he was still alive. A good man, who tried his best to please You God. But being good is not enough and we are not promised a life of ease and riches for being good.
Regardless of his terrible suffering Job puts his trust in You. He says a few verses later, “Oh, that my words were recorded, that they were written on a scroll, that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead, or engraved in rock forever! 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; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! (Job 19:23-27).
Would he be amazed that, “I have escaped by the skin of my teeth” is still used? That His redeemer did come and stand on the earth. That we would survive by His death. You are a faithful God. Help us to see and call upon our redeemer in all circumstances. We too can have complete faith and trust in You.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Author of Creation,
For our close family.
For our extended family, friends, neighbours. Miracles.
For our church fellowship, ministers and congregations.
For all those who partake of communion today to know sin forgiven and Your presence.
For our king and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2). The Royal family’s health.
For Ukraine. May Your will be to end war, soon. Protect and bless Your church.
For Gaza, all the Middle East. Solutions for reconciliation for a lasting peace. End to vengeance.
For the USA during this election time and Your outcome.
For those who still get leprosy today and those who treat them so they can fully recover.
For those who live with painful disabilities or syndromes, fibromyalgia, rheumatism, arthritis.
For those who care for those with the above.
For us to know a day flooded with your light, help, and uplifting companionship. Smooth out the working day and reive us with refreshing sleep.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 2nd September 2024
This song rescued me when I needed reassurance. Job knew God would be his redeemer as we do.
Who taught the sun
Where to stand in the morning
And who told the ocean
You can only come this far
And who showed the moon
Where to hide till evening
Whose words alone can
Catch a falling star
Well I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
All of creation testifies
This life within me cries
I know my Redeemer lives
Yeah
The very same God
That spins things in orbit
Runs to the weary
The worn and the weak
And the same gentle hands
That hold me when I’m broken
They conquer death to bring me victory
Now I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
Let all creation testify
Let this life within me cry
I know my Redeemer
He lives to take away my shame
And He lives forever I’ll proclaim
That the payment for my sin
Was the precious life He gave
But now He’s alive and there’s an empty grave
And I know my Redeemer, He lives
I know my Redeemer lives
Let all creation testify
Let this life within me cry
I know my Redeemer
I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
I know that, I know that, I know that, I know that, I know
I know my Redeemer lives
(Because He lives I can face tomorrow)
He lives, I know, I know, I know.
He lives
I spoke with Him this morning
Lyrics: Nicole C. Mullen
“‘Redeemer’ was inspired by the scripture passage in the (Old Testament Book of) Job of when, while under his afflictions, Job stooped and said, ‘I know that my redeemer lives and at the last day, He will stand upon the Earth.'”