Christmas Eve at GBC Phoenix is a special tradition — candles, carols, and the unfolding of the Advent wreath. This year, Pastor Josh White took us somewhere unexpected: the Book of Job. And what Job knew — centuries before a single word of Scripture was written down — will make you wonder how he knew it at all.
How Did Job Know?
Job lived around the time of Abraham — roughly 400 years before Moses wrote the first five books of the Bible. Nothing was written yet. And yet Job said two things that reveal remarkable faith:
- He knew there would be a resurrection from the dead.
- He knew there would be a Redeemer who would stand upon the Earth.
How? Through oral tradition passed down from Adam, through Noah, to Abraham’s generation. But even with limited revelation, Job believed what God had promised. And on Christmas, we celebrate the moment God began keeping that promise.
Point 1: Job Knew There Would Be a Resurrection
In Job 14, amid his suffering, Job writes about death and what comes after:
“But a man dies and is laid low, man breathes his last and where is he? As waters fail from a lake, and a river wastes away and dries up, so a man lies down and rises not again until the heavens are no more.”
— Job 14:10–12
Then he adds something breathtaking — he asks God to hide him in Sheol until God’s wrath passes, then calls and answers him:
“You would call, and I would answer you. You would long for the work of your hands.”
— Job 14:15
Job knew a resurrection was coming — one that would happen after a time of wrath. Centuries before Revelation was written, Job understood the timeline of redemption.
Then the Apostle John writes in Revelation 20 about the first resurrection — when the saints who had been martyred during the tribulation are raised and reign with Christ for a thousand years:
“Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and they will reign with him for a thousand years.”
— Revelation 20:6
The birth of Christ is God’s proof that Job’s faith will come to pass. Jesus’ resurrection is the firstfruits — the guarantee that everyone who trusts in Him will follow.
Point 2: Job Knew There Would Be a Redeemer
Perhaps the most famous messianic prophecy outside the Old Testament prophetic books comes from Job — a man who lived in the patriarchal age:
“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another.”
— Job 19:25–26
Job knew his Redeemer would:
- Be alive (even when he himself would die)
- Stand upon the Earth
- Give Job a resurrected body to see Him
That Redeemer is Jesus Christ. Titus 2 describes how Jesus gave Himself to redeem us from all lawlessness and purify for Himself a people zealous for good works.
The Big Picture of Christmas
Christmas is not just about a baby in a manger. It’s God saying: I promise I will do this.
God created us to live with Him forever. Sin interrupted that plan. But Redemption — buying us back from slavery to sin — is how God would restore what was lost. Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection are the fulfillment of that promise.
Job believed it without knowing the details. Thomas doubted until he saw the risen Lord. But we have both — the eyewitness testimony and the Spirit’s power. The question is the same for us today:
“Do you believe in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of your sins and for your hope in eternal life?”
As Romans 10 says, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
So What?
Job’s suffering was immense — he lost his children, his health, his wealth. But his faith didn’t break. Why? Because he had his eyes fixed on something beyond his present pain. He knew his Redeemer was coming. He knew he would rise again.
When life is hard, when the wait feels long, when the future seems uncertain — remember that God is faithful. He promised redemption. He sent Jesus. And He will finish what He started.
This Christmas, as you gather with family, open gifts, and sing carols — don’t lose sight of what we’re really celebrating. A God who keeps His promises. A Redeemer who was born to die. A hope that will not disappoint.
Scripture References
- Job 14:10–15 — Job’s hope in resurrection after God’s wrath
- Job 19:25–26 — Job’s declaration of his living Redeemer
- Revelation 19:11–16 — The Messiah returns as King of Kings
- Revelation 20:4–6 — The first resurrection and the millennial reign
- Titus 2:11–14 — God’s grace brings salvation and redeems a people
- Romans 10:9–10 — Confession and belief lead to salvation
- 1 Thessalonians 5:23–24 — God is faithful; He will sanctify us completely