Read Job 14:7-22
Job seems to be questioning life, at least the end of life and what happens next. He uses the familiar example of a tree, showing his understanding of that side of nature. But what about death? A fallen leaf is replaced the next Spring, but for humans, what happens after we die?
Job imagines we must evaporate, never to rise again. That’s true in the sense of our physical bodies. They will be laid to rest and will rot in the grave. I’ve never personally exhumed a body but seen plenty of reenactments to know it’s not a pretty sight. When we have the hope of heaven that Jesus ushers in for us, death loses a lot of its mystery.
Although death is still an unknown until we do it one day. It’s always fascinating to hear stories from people who have been pronounced death and then are resuscitated. What they experience is usually a bit unique yet beautiful.
Poor Job wants God to hide him in the grave. Not forever, but until God’s anger passes. Does that sound like a safe place to Job? He has asked before why God doesn’t just take him away, too, like the rest of his loved ones.
Then Job boldly asks, “Can the dead live again?” That’s a question that people have wrestled with for years and years. There are some who believe in reincarnation. And in the New Testament, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. It’s a good question. Job seems curious about it.
God doesn’t recycle people. He made us just right the first time. We don’t get a chance for a do-over in a new life. Jesus has come to rescue us from all the mistakes we’ve made. If only we trust him. That’s hard for a lot of people. It would have been hard for Job, not knowing what those mistakes were.
In Job’s perfect world, he says his “sins would be sealed in a pouch, and you would cover” his guilt. Job wants the LORD to forgive. That’s a grand expectation. What does forgiveness look like for Job? We recognize that God did make Job’s desire reality when he sent his Son. Jesus covers our guilt and sin with what he did on the cross.
The good news about what’s next for us is we can live again and forever with Jesus. That’s a promise Job didn’t know about. He ends his lament before God on such a negative note using the example of a collapsing cliff rather than a regenerating tree. If only Job knew the future glory having a relationship with Jesus would bring. Priceless.
Let’s pray. Lord, I am so grateful to be on this side of history and know that Jesus was sent for me. Forgive me for the ways I’ve sinned and displeased you. What you did for me leaves me speechless. I am invigorated knowing I will live again with you forever. Use me to help others find you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
