YOUR REDEEMER LIVES - James 5:19-20

PASTOR ALAN LATTA

JAMES 5 19 Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. With this being our third attempt, at understanding and applying James’ closing paragraph, we hope to greatly encourage anyone who is being - or has ever been - tempted to wander away from the truth; due to suffering, disappointments, offenses, confusing mis-understandings, and/or disillusioning experiences and terrible trials. In the first two chapters of Job, one can read about a man who lost almost everything; including most of his possessions and servants, all ten of his children and the respect of his wife; as well as his health and so called friendships; with wise guys who decided to blast him – after sitting in silence for 7 days - while he was at his lowest; not to mention his brothers, sisters, & acquaintances who stayed away. Like those friends, some folks wrestle with whether or not Mr. Job had anything to do with his problems, or were they all from satan, or was God Himself responsible; Who had given permission for him to be attacked. It seems, some can not simply rest with what the Bible story clearly says; so they will quickly jump to chapter 42; where the Lord abundantly redeems and doubly restores all the man’s losses. In doing so, one risks missing a life changing truth they may need one day; in order to overcome temptations to wander from the truth. During his friends’ accusations, Job often lamented his life’s con-dition while trying to defend his integrity. In Chapter 19, during one of his laments, this hurting man received a prophetic revelation, that - for centuries - has inspired many songs; which today I believe can become a weapon in the heart and mouth of anyone who finds himself or herself in the middle of troubles of any kind; because it can be God’s Word for everyone suffering great trials, tough circumstances or the consequences of reaping what they’ve sown. For those who have ever been or are currently being tempted to wander away from the truth because of hard personal times; self inflicted or not, this word’s for you. Let’s all read Job 19:14-27. JOB 19 14 “My relatives have failed, and my close friends have forgotten me. 15 Those who dwell in my house, and my maidservants, count me as a stranger; I am an alien in their sight. 16 I call my servant, but he gives no answer; I beg him with my mouth. 17 My breath is offensive to my wife, and I am repulsive to the children of my own body. 18 Even young children despise me; I arise, and they speak against me. 19 All my close friends abhor me, and those whom I love have turned against me. 20 My bone clings to my skin and to my flesh, and I have escaped by the skin of my teeth. 21 “Have pity on me, have pity on me, O you my friends, for the hand of God has struck me! 22 Why do you persecute me as God does, and are not satisfied with my flesh? 23 “Oh, that my words were written! Oh, that they were inscribed in a book! 24 That they were engraved on a rock with an iron pen and lead, forever! 25 For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth; 26 And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God, 27 Whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!.....” New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.