Thursday, April 19, 2012
Job 19:25a I know that my Redeemer lives ...
HE LIVES TO GUIDE ME WITH HIS EYE!
"I've got my eye on you!" Those words strike a note of warning. "Watch out," they say. "I can see exactly what you're doing." Yet they also might be tender words of love. "I've got my eye on you," as in "I don't want to take my eyes off of you."
This all reminds me of when my boys were very young. When the family was away from home I didn't let those little guys out of my sight. Their safety was my utmost concern. If they looked like they might be wandering into some danger, I'd quickly guide them away from it. Most times all it took was a word or two to steer them away from the potential harm.
Jesus lives! He lives for His dearly loved and blood-bought people. His all-seeing eyes are upon us every moment of every day.
Think back to the first Easter. When Jesus rose, His loving eyes immediately turned to His disciples. With kind words He guided them way from their doubts, their fears, their hopelessness. We think of weeping Mary at the tomb, and the trembling band behind locked door. We think of doubting Thomas, and the despairing disciples on the road to Emmaus. Then, of course, there's sorrowing Peter, to whom Jesus gave assurance of His forgiveness during an unforgettable breakfast by the Sea of Galilee.
The risen Jesus loves you so much that He never takes His eyes off of you. He knows exactly who you are and what you've done. He knows precisely what you're going through in your life right now. But whatever your sin, whatever your fear, whatever your dilemma, He has just the right answers you need in His powerful and perfect Word. His Word is there -- He is there -- to guide you safely through this life unto life everlasting. Take heart, and be sure to tell others:
He lives to grant me rich supply,
He lives to guide me with His eye,
He lives to comfort me when faint,
He lives to hear my soul's complaint.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 200:4)
