Job Asks if Humans Will Live Again

Job 14:16–22
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Job complains that God has numbered every wrong step and taken note of every sinful act (v. 16). These He had “sealed up,” as though they were treasures (v. 17). If the mountains could be destroyed, how could frail man expect to escape (v. 18)? Just as water wears the stones away, God’s judgment wears away any hope that man might have (v. 19). He is consigned to death (v. 20). The only hope was in the accomplishments of his sons, and he would never know if they succeeded or not (v. 21). As for man himself, nothing awaits him but pain and mourning (v. 22).

Chapter 14 ends the first round of three debates between Job and his friends. Job closes with a vivid description of the hopelessness of man. Here we have in Job a vivid and beautiful expression of what is wrong with our view of life. Job is looking at life as a natural man, and he sees it as the world sees it, that everything is for now. This life is the wholly important thing, and the reason you were brought into existence is to make something out of this present experience – you never get another chance. We are reminded of that on television: “You only go around once! If you are going to live, live with gusto.” We are constantly exhorted by the world, with its distorted understanding of life, to seize the present moment - you will never get another one.

God has permitted Satan to put the virtue of Job to the test, at first by giving him power over his property, but forbidding him to touch his person. Satan began by taking away his oxen: a company of Sabeans slew his workers and drove off all the beasts; one servant only escaping to bring the news. While he was reporting this misfortune, a second came, and informed Job that fire from heaven had consumed his sheep, and those who kept them; and that he alone had escaped. A third messenger arrived, who said “The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels and took them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”

Application

I have an advantage over Job, knowing that when I die I will rise again to be with the Lord (Jn. 14:19). Death in the Lord is actually a graduation exercise to a much better place.