I wrote this today for the community bible study blog, but thought you might enjoy it, too.
Did you catch in yesterday's reading that Job looked forward to the Redeemer and even the resurection of the dead in Christ?
Job 19:25-27
“But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!"
Yes, Job, I, too, am overwhelmed at the thought of meeting my Savior face to face and even more overwhelmed that I will be resurected one day with a body that is imperishable (1 Corinthians 15:54). But, the thing is, I have heard the gospel. I know Jesus lived and what He did for me. Job, at that time did not have that information.
Before I read the Bible cover to cover, I always wondered how people in the Old Testament were "saved" or redeeemed or in my own lingo at the time "got to heaven." Just like Abraham, Job's faith was credited to him as righteousness. The people in the Old Testament looked forward to the cross for redemption just like we look back to the cross for redemption. They trusted God with the promise of the Redeemer (Jesus) that He gave back in the garden of Eden. Remember in Genesis 3: "He (Jesus) will crush your head, and you (Satan) will strike his heel.”
So, as you read, I want to encourage you to seek out that redemptive thread. Look for Jesus in every story. You will find Him there if you look hard enough. Your table leaders will be asking you questions that will help you see the thread of redemption in the Bible as we read through this year. Everyday, after you've read, ask yourself, what did that tell me about God?
I want to encourage you as you read. I know it can sometimes be tough, but stay the course and you will be rewarded with something that cannot be taken away from you. I am praying for you to hear from God, that you'll know His voice, and He will show you your place in His story.
In Christ alone,
Emily Cook
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