Friday 03 October 2008
- Bible Book:
- Job
"And after my skin has been thus destroyed, then in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see on my side, and my eyes shall behold, and not another." (v.26-27)
Background
Often, the language of Job can see more appropriate to that of acourtroom than biblical wisdom literature. In this passage, Jobcontinues his lament and expresses a wish, a conviction and adesire.
He wished his declarations to be written and inscribed on amonument. His conviction was that his case would win, even if itwas after his death. His desire was to challenge God with his claimfor vindication. From the previous chapters (
Job is presented as a man who desired to die immediately. Hisfriends and relatives have deserted him and even blame him for hissuffering. But even through all this, Job presents his case to Godwith glimmers of hope. The word "Redeemer" (verse 25) might beapplied to God, or to a 'mediator' between God and Job. Clearly,Job has many questions about his life and suffering he wishes tohave answers to.
For the writer of the book, questioning and challenging God areessential and inevitable elements of a person's faith and aretherefore part and parcel of witnessing God's love in theworld.
To Ponder
Can we question or challenge God's action in thisworld? What might you say to God in these circumstances?
When people face death, due to various illness ordiseases, can we still ask them to have hope in God?
Do you have hope in the life after death?