This Week’s Devotional Focus is, “The Second Coming of Jesus Christ.”
“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!” (Job 19:25–27, NLT).
If you ever need encouragement as you await the Second Coming of Jesus Christ; if you need to sense His presence and hear is voice; if you need staying power as trials seem to overwhelm you, read the story of Job. He was a just and holy man according to God’s testimony of his life, yet in a strange cosmic arrangement of circumstances, he was tested beyond human capacity. He was wealthy in houses, land, assets, cattle, family, and spirituality. And in what seemed like moments he lost all. Family. Gone. Property. Gone. Assets. Gone. Health. Gone! Faith. Preserved. God kept him as he lay in apparent ruins, covered in excruciating boils, being discouraged by perhaps well-meaning friends, who actually had no clue. God kept him in the power of His might as the enemy was allowed to test Job while he awaited his Lord’s response to these inexplicable circumstances.
While our story may vary greatly from Job’s, one thing is common: we all who await the fulness of the Revelation of Jesus Christ will have trials difficult to bear, yet as in the case of Job, we will come out of affliction refined like pure gold.
Timeless Quotes Of Job
- “Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return thither: The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD.” (Job 1:21). I say Hallelujah!
- “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: But I will maintain mine own ways before him.” (Job 13:15). I say thank the Lord!
- “I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: But now mine eye seeth thee.” (Job 42:5). I say our God is mighty to save!
As wonderful and instructive as these all are, they all point to one place. They all culminate in that which is highlighted in our theme text—seeing God face-to-face. If we turn our backs on all earthly possessions for Christ’s sake; if we are patient through afflictions; if we exchange theoretical discussions of God for the deepest experiences as we await his arrival by faith, we will soon have the privilege of seeing His wonderful face and glorying in His presence. So hold on, dear friends. If we remain faithful in His might, the darkening veil that necessarily separates us from the King will be removed forever. In our new, glorified bodies, and with our own eyes, we shall see the King. What a glorious day that will be.