As he finishes his speech, Job is overcome. Life is short
and full of difficulties; it fades like a flower; it vanishes like a shadow
(verses 1–2). When his life appears to be so inconsequential (verse 3), why
does God care to notice him?
His agony seemed to be never-ending, inexorably wearing him
down to death. If only he could find a place to hide until God's apparent wrath
subsides (verse 13). If he must die, if only he might resurrect like a tree
from a dead stump (verses 7–9). He longs for rejuvenation and a renewed
relationship with God (verses 15–17), yet the dead, as far as he knows, do not
return to life (verse 10). What hope does man have if even mountains break and
crumble away (verses 18–22)?
This chapter is depressing and depressing to read. However,
when viewed through the lens of the New Testament, the picture changes
dramatically.
Is it possible for the dead to come back to life? Yes, they
can, because of Jesus' death and resurrection! And, as verse 4 says, "can
anyone bring a clean thing out of an unclean thing?" Yes, yes, yes, yes,
yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yeah, yes 'We know that our old self was crucified
alongside him in order for the body of sin to be destroyed... We believe that
if we died with Christ, we shall likewise live with him... As a result, in
Christ Jesus, you must believe yourself to be dead to sin and alive to God'
(Romans 6.6, 8 and 11).
So, the good news is that we don't have to be disheartened
even when we're going through a difficult time. 'Though our outer self is dying
away, our inner self is being renewed day by day,' Paul writes to the
Corinthians. This light tribulation is preparing us for an eternal weight of
glory that surpasses all comparison' (2 Corinthians 4.16–17).
Thank you, Father, that because Jesus died in our place, we
are no longer slaves to sin but slaves to you. Thank you for rekindling our
friendship and welcoming us into your family.