Visits from his friends brought him no relief... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

I know that my redeemer lives, and he shall stand at last on the earth.
Job 19:25

The book of Job in the Old Testament tells of a godly man of ancient times who was also wealthy, but his life was suddenly troubled. Within a short period he not only lost his possessions; he also received the news of the sudden death of his children. But Job's trust in the goodness of God could not be shaken. He said, "The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD" (ch. 1, v. 21). Then Job became ill and was plagued by boils. Visits from his friends brought him no relief. On the contrary, they assumed that Job had become guilty: otherwise God would not have brought such sufferings on him. His friends' conclusions sound pious, but they were incorrect. Later God reprimanded them. At first, however, their reproaches affected him badly. And because God Himself remained silent, it seemed to Job that the LORD was against him, too.

How amazing is therefore his exclamation: "I know that my redeemer lives." He clung to the LORD and His promises, whatever it might cost. Job knew His God and that he could trust Him, even if things seemed otherwise. That is the mark of true faith. He looked beyond what was visible to the eternal God and relied on Him and His promises.

The Redeemer is none other than God the Son, Jesus Christ. Job could not know that; but he realised that there was One who would speak for him. He lives, and Job would see his Redeemer. God Himself would end his troubles.

Today's reading: Psalms 97 & 98