A Word from Job 14

I don't know about you. But every now and then, I find it hard to hope. After all, you turn on the news, and it's all conflict, and tragedy, and warning signs of economic decline. And we've got so many friends who are dealing with illness and loss. And I'm sure that each of us has our own personal challenges to worry about. And with all that going on, I'm not surprised when we feel a bit overwhelmed.

Well, in today's word from Job Chapter 14, Job gave voice to some of those hopeless feelings:

“We’re all adrift in the same boat," he said;

     "too few days, too many troubles. 

We spring up like wildflowers in the desert and then wilt,

     transient as the shadow of a cloud." (17:1-2; The Message)

But you know, as deep and dark as Job's depression was, every now and then, his heart gave voice to a beautiful longing that would only be completely revealed when Jesus came.

"If we humans die, will we live again?" Job asked, "That’s my question. 

     All through these difficult days I keep hoping, 

     waiting for the final change—for resurrection! 

Homesick with longing for the creature you made, 

     you’ll call—and I’ll answer! 

You’ll watch over every step I take, 

     but you won’t keep track of my missteps. 

My sins will be stuffed in a sack 

     and thrown into the sea—sunk in deep ocean." (17:1-4-17; The Message)

Of course, we live on this side of the life and ministry of Jesus. And so, what Job could only dream about with wishful thinking, we can anticipate as Divine Promise. 

So today, may we all have hope. And let's face even life's challenges with the confidence that a day is coming when there will be no more death, or mourning, or crying, or pain. And all things will be made new. Amen.