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<Previous Message Next Message> Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Driving into Lancaster city this last weekend we passed this young Amish couple out for a Sunday drive. We normally see the Amish out in the rural areas. "That Which We Know" Listen to this message on your audio player. "I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth" (Job 19:25). Today's date, 9/11, will always bring a distinct memory, especially for those of us who live in America. Today we remember the terrorist attacks from 12 years ago and consider the many thousands for whom this date will bring very personal pain-filled memories; the family and friends of those murdered that day in New York, Washington and in a Pennsylvania field. And, of course, there are also those who escaped the horrific terrorist attack but have lasting injuries; some who will carry the emotional scars and physical wounds for the rest of their lives. In a broader sense we call to mind the evil that abounds in our world due to the rejection of God's Messenger of peace, the Lord Jesus Christ, the only Redeemer for the fallen human race. There are scores of "why" questions concerning that day and so much else about life. We can be crippled by these questions but it is wise to acknowledge there is much that we will not know or understand until we get to the other side. Today let us focus on that which we do know. Like Job we can declare with confidence "I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth." This Scripture text is one of the greatest statements of faith and assurance in the entire Bible. Most Bible students place Job historically in the time of the patriarchs. Thus he had absolutely none of the written revelation of the Bible as we know it. He had lost his children, possessions and health. He had endured several discussions with his "friends" which essentially sum up the false or skewed philosophies of this world. He sure didn't get any support or encouragement from his nagging wife. Throughout the nineteenth chapter Job recounts his afflictions and they are certainly dreadful on a personal level. Physically, socially, financially; he really came upon tough times! He sums up his troubles with the descriptive phrase, "I am nothing but skin and bones; I have escaped with only the skin of my teeth" (19:20). Yet Job kept his faith and makes the great affirmation of today's text. He does so without the benefit of Romans 8:28 and so many other Scriptures of assurance, encouragement and hope that we know and love in our Bible. Let us examine two sections in the text.: "I know that my Redeemer lives." May you be refreshed by several specific "I (or we) know..." statements in Scripture:
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone Because I know, He holds the future And life is worth the living Just because He lives "And that in the end He will stand upon the earth." Job made this declaration right in the midst of his sufferings. He didn't know his personal outcome but he was confident that in the end God would prevail. Likewise that is an assurance we may all have as well. What an example Job is to us. He is recognized years later by the prophet Ezekiel as an example of righteousness, along with Noah and Daniel (Ezekiel 14:20). James refers to him as an example of perseverance: "As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy" (James 5:11). Today, in the midst of your "why" questions we encourage you to make Job's affirmation of faith your own. What a tremendous peace comes, when regardless of our personal questions and circumstances by faith we declare, "I know that my redeemer lives!" Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily prayer: Father, we solemnly consider the catastrophic impact that terrorists have permanently etched in our painful memories from the events of 9/11/01. Though we witnessed mayhem and saw evil at its worst, mercifully, we also witnessed acts of goodness at their best. We pray today for those who follow you who this very day are dealing with persecution especially those in the Middle East. Fill their hearts with assurance and hope. We are not without hope, for we know that You are a God of hope that fills believers with all joy and peace as they trust in You, so that they may overflow with hope by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Our declaration today is the very same as Job's, "I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth." In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen. A small pony pulls this cart. A father out with his sons. It appears this little Mennonite boy wanted to be included in the conversation between his Mom and Dad. Or maybe he's asking, "Are we almost there?" We both liked to ride in the back up of pickups as kids so I suppose these children do as well! A full load! Tomorrow we will share some old-order harvest photos we took the last couple of weeks.
Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources "Because He Lives" Video Gaither Vocal Band "I Believe in a Hill Called Mount Calvary" Video Gaither Vocal Band "Sometimes I Cry" Video Jason Crabb "Tears Are A Language That God Understands" Video Amy Lambert "Redeemer" Video Crabb Family Several months after the 9/11 terrorist attacks I received an email from Cheryl McGuiness, the wife of the co-pilot of the first jet that flew into the world trade center. She had been receiving the encouragements and shared how one was especially meaningful to her. She has since had many opportunities to share her testimony: "When Your World Falls Apart". She has also written a book titled "Beauty Beyond the Ashes". Here's a video presentation. (7.5 minutes) To receive the "Daily Encouragement" each Monday-Friday through email see this page to subscribe to our email list. You can also subscribe to the Wordpress rss feed or through a Wordpress email subscription. (See the email subscription on the right side after opening this page.) Are our daily encouragement messages a blessing to you? We ask you to consider making a donation to Daily Encouragement Net so that we can continue to prepare and provide this daily resource which is accessed by believers and seekers all over the world. Daily Encouragement Net relies solely on the generosity and financial support of its readers and podcast listeners. See here for more information on supporting this ministry. Gifts are tax deductible. Permissions: Please feel free to pass on, reproduce and distribute any material on Daily Encouragement Net, in part or in whole, in any format, provided that you do not alter the wording in any way or charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction. It is our desire to spread this material, not protect or restrict it. I do request that you keep the contact, copyright and subscription information intact. Text only version for printing: To make a text only version for printing (without photos or any of the supplemental materials) 1) Open the basic text editor that comes with all computers (known as wordpad, textpad, etc.) You can also use a program like Word and select paste text only. 2) Select and copy the text from the portion of the message you want to print. 3) Paste into the text pad. (The photos won't show up but you will have a brief text description of the photo which you can delete or just ignore.) 4) Format if you desire (change font, increase or decrease size, etc.) 5) Print! Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the King James Version. Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and I make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity." © Copyright 2013 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved Daily Encouragement Net - 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 USA |