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November 11, 2007 - 24th Sunday after Pentecost
- For I know that my Redeemer lives,
- and that at the last he will stand upon the earth;
- and after my skin has been thus destroyed,
- then in my flesh I shall see God,
- whom I shall see on my side,
- and my eyes shall behold, and not another.
-- Job 19:25-27
Job was in the midst of great suffering. He had lost it all – family,
property -- everything. Three friends graciously visited him in his misery,
bearing gifts of advice and answers. One friend, Bildad was sure that Job must
have done something terrible, for he was sure that all our troubles come from
our sinfulness. Job disagreed, and proclaimed his trust in God even in the midst
of his great suffering.
By the grace of God, Job was able to see past his suffering and experience hope.
As Christians, we see the great Redeemer of which Job speaks as Jesus, through whom
we see God. What a life-giving gift Job was given even when all seemed hopeless.
Where do you see a need for hope? For whom or what do you need to pray for hope?
We pray: O God, our eternal redeemer, by the presence of your Spirit
you renew and direct our hearts. Keep always in our mind the end of all things and
the day of judgment. Inspire us for a holy life here, and bring us to the joy of the
resurrection, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen
Lessons for the 24th Sunday after Pentecost:
- Psalm 17:1-9
- Job 19:23-27a
- 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17
- Luke 19:11-27
Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible,
copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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