Devotional Thoughts Based on the Glory to God Hymnal

Job 19:25-27

The biblical book of Job is a little bit of a challenge to some of us in the faith. It starts off with terrible calamity in Job’s life, and then we watch this man suffer. We try and try to have the story of Job tell us that suffering won’t last, and that everything will be wonderful again soon, but it may not be that simple.

When we turn to hymns and songs that might reflect some of the message contained in Job, they are somewhat scarce. The editors of the Glory to God Hymnal suggested a connection between Hymn 787 and Job 19:25-27:

Job 19:25-27

²⁵ For I know that my Redeemer^[a] lives,
 and that at the last he^[b] will stand upon the earth;^[c]
26 and after my skin has been thus destroyed,
 then in^[d] my flesh I shall see God,^[e]
27 whom I shall see on my side,^[f]
 and my eyes shall behold, and not another.
 My heart faints within me!

I think there is some good news and solace in the fact that our Redeemer lives, and that God does “weep with those who weep and mourn.”

The note that accompanies Hymn 787 tells us:

This hymn especially appropriate for funerals began as a wordless tune composed upon reading the obituary of Thomas Layton Moehler, a friend who died from AIDS. Several months later the tune was sent to the author who created this text …

In our grief and suffering, we might find some kinship in our souls with the hymn-writer and Job, knowing that our Redeemer lives and loves.

Prayer

Thank you, God, for opening Your heart to me as I open my heart and soul to You. In the name of my Redeemer, Jesus, I lift my prayers and praise. Amen.