Job 14:7-22 – What’s Next?

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. Continue reading “Job 14:7-22 – What’s Next?”

Nahum 1:12-15 – Hope & Doom

Read Nahum 1:12-15

Our last reading set the theological context for what Nahum’s message is all about. In this reading, we see clearly two messages, one to Nineveh and one to God’s people, Israel. The same message was heard differently, depending on the perspective. God’s promise of hope and doom were wrapped up in this communication.

Despite the viewpoint, God’s prophecy must have sounded unbelievable. The might of the Assyrian empire was seemingly invincible. The people would see this prophecy play out and realize that God was not only true to his word, but that he was truly invincible. That’s the picture I have of God and I don’t need to witness the crumbling of a mighty nation to understand. The oracle pronouncing this judgment on Assyria would bring peace, freedom, and restoration from the oppression God’s people had endured.

Continue reading “Nahum 1:12-15 – Hope & Doom”
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