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MAN’S UNDERSTANDING OF LIFE
LORD’S DAY, MAY 1
Job 14:13-22

Psalm 27:1-5

 

“…the LORD is

the strength of my life…”

 

MAN’S UNDERSTANDING OF LIFE
 
Job continued to discuss his troubles. Although he felt God had turned against him, he still appealed to Him, knowing that God was his only hope in this time of trouble (cf. Ps 46:1).
 
Job again pleaded for death. He did not know why God’s anger was upon him but death appeared to be a good way to avoid God’s present chastisement (Job 14:13). Job asked if there was any further hope if a man died. From a purely human standpoint, the answer would be “no” but for those who hope in God’s grace, there is a future beyond the grave when a miraculous change will take place (Job 14:14-15; Phil 3:20-21).
 
Man is without hope of escaping his deserved punishment for sin. Job knew that he was a sinner so his judgment was sure (Job 14:17-19), but he also had faith in the resurrection. This was not the problem here. The problem was that he needed relief from his present unbearable situation and God, who was his only hope, did not seem to be offering any help. Job spoke of man’s end so far as this life was concerned. Man goes to the grave and his body can no longer be recognised or have a part in life. This is the end of a body that has known only pain and grief in life (Job 14:20- 22; Eccles 9:5-6).
 
Job had tried to answer his three friends. He had known the peace of true godliness, but he was confused because God did not seem to be acting toward him in a way that was right. Frustrated and confused by this problem, Job pleaded for death. Yet he would not deny his close relationship with God in the past and continued to maintain full trust in Him.
 
Unlike Job, today we have the Holy Scriptures that can encourage us in times of difficulty. We are challenged to trust in the Lord and not in our own ability to understand (Prov 3:5-6). When we do this, then like Job, we can boldly say, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” (Job 13:15).
 
THOUGHT: Why was Job confused?

PRAYER: I thank Thee, Father, that trust in Thee brings perfect peace.

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