January 24
Job 19:1-21:34
Is there life after death? If so, what happens to us? These are universal questions. Many give very little thought to these questions until they feel they are approaching the end of their days on earth. Many speak forth their opinions based on their own reasoning of what they deem to be fair, or pass along their thoughts based on the traditions they were raised in. But since the average life span in the United States is seventy-eight years, and the average time spent in eternity is forever minus seventy-eight years, isn't it reasonable to spend a little more time addressing where you will be spending the bulk of your time? Soon we will go through some of the varying thoughts going through Job's mind. This is understandable since Job had no reference to use. But God has given us the entirety of His Holy Bible, which speaks clearly about life and death, heaven and hell, and what determines the destiny of each individual. People have time to read every self-help book, every diet book, books on politics, history, sports, etc. But the one book, the Bible, which could truly clarify life's most important questions, most seem to have no time for. Though ignorance might have been understandable in the days of Job, it is now a choice that is made by that individual who chooses to remain ignorant, and is without excuse.
I don't know if Job spent much time thinking about death when his life was great, but now in the midst of suffering we read his words in Job 14:1-2,14, "“How frail is humanity! How short is life, how full of trouble! We blossom like a flower and then wither. Like a passing shadow, we quickly disappear...Can the dead live again? If so, this would give me hope through all my years of struggle, and I would eagerly await the release of death." His concepts of what happens after death go in multiple directions. In 21:26, he writes, "But both are buried in the same dust, both eaten by the same maggots." In another place he envisions it as a place of rest, as we read in 3:11,17, "Had I died at birth, I would now be at peace. I would be asleep and at rest...For in death the wicked cause no trouble, and the weary are at rest." But as Job is brought to the point of utter despair, he gets it right as we see his words in 19:25-27, "“But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!" The word, "Redeemer" in Hebrew is "Goel" which speaks of one who can set free or purchase back what is lost. It took Job being brought to such a low point to come out with this amazing declaration of faith.
We too, have gone through, and will continue to go through a lifetime of trials and tribulations. This is not a competition as to who has had it the worst. The question is what will we do during those dark times. Where does our hope lie? We can either focus on the situation or God. We can either be filled with self-pity or turn our eyes onto God who can give us hope and clarity in our darkest moments. Jesus spoke three times more about hell than heaven, because as we read in John 3:16, "“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." Yes, He taught us important lessons during His ministry, and He modeled what perfect character looks like, but He came to die, in order to free us from the bondage of death. In the true story of Lazarus and the Rich Man, which is not a parable, in Luke 16:19-31, he explains the two possible destinations (for there are only two choices). He even explained that many more choose the wrong path and are on their way to hell, not heaven in Matthew 7:13-14. Yes, ignorance was understandable during the times of Job, but it is not understandable now. His love and care for us was so immense that He was willing to leave heaven, lower Himself to become a man, just for you and me. He was willing to endure torture and shame on the cross for us, so that we wouldn't have to. He has done so much, does it really seem legitimate in light of this to "not have the time" to take in His words as written in Scripture? Allowing your lives to be consumed with Jesus will give you blessings on earth, even during trials, and hope and security after death.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: