- I know that the body of Vladimir Lenin, founder of Soviet communism, lies on display on Moscow.
- I know that the bones of the prophet Muhammed, lie in Medina, Saudi Arabia.
- I know that the bones of the Joseph Smith, founder of Mormonism, lie in a grave in Nauvoo, Illinios.
- I know that the bones of Mary Baker Eddy, founder of Christian Science, lie in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
- I know that the bones of Confucius are buried in a temple in Qufu, China.
- I know that you can find the left canine tooth of Buddha (the rest of him was cremated) in the “Temple of the Tooth” in Sri Lanka.
And I know that the bones of Jesus are NOT found in any tomb anywhere. Because I know that my Redeemer lives!
Every other founder of world religions and philosophies is dead. I don’t just think that. I know. And I don’t just think that my Redeemer lives. I don’t just hope for it and wish for it to be true. I don’t have my fingers crossed. I know! I know that my Redeemer lives.
Job knew it 1000 years before it happened! Job was a God-fearing man, a wealthy man. In a single day he lost his ten children and all his wealth to stunning catastrophes. When someone faces extreme adversity like this, it’s often said, “Well, at least you’ve still your health.” Well, Job lost that too. He was covered from head to toe with painful sores.
His friends came to comfort him. They didn’t do a very good job. His wife’s advice: “Curse God and die.”
Job struggled with his losses and afflictions. At times, they were nearly unbearable. At times, he questioned God. At times he challenged God. But he never lost faith. He knew one thing for certain: Who it was that held him in his hands. Job couldn’t wait to see him. Out of the depths of despair Job spoke these words, words that fill our hearts with confidence and joy:
“I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon 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 19:25-27)
Do you hear the confidence? “I know…he will…I will see God…with my own eyes!”
These words don’t just belong to Job. They’re yours and mine, too. We struggle with loss and affliction. At times, they are nearly unbearable. At times, we question God. At times we challenge God. But don’t despair. Don’t lose heart. We don’t just think/hope/wish the Savior lives. We know!
He is risen!
Pastor Stephen Luchterhand
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