For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:
Many scholars believe that the Book of Job is the oldest book in the Bible. Historically, the life of Job takes place somewhere between Genesis 11 and Genesis 12. This is interesting to me because of the statements Job makes concerning the afterlife. His theology about death and eternity was just as current as ours is today. I do not know how he knew everything he knew, but I do know Who taught him.
- Job believed in a Redeemer – I know my redeemer liveth
When you read all of what Job said to his friends, you understand his concept of the holiness, righteousness, and purity of Jehovah. He also writes of his own frailty, weakness, and corruption. In our passage today we see that Job knew and believed that he had a Redeemer provided to him. This Redeemer made it possible for him to have a right standing before God.
- Job believed in a King – he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth
Before the law was given, before Abraham, before the Abrahamic Covenant, Job saw the earthly reign of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament prophets spoke extensively about this subject and so do many of the writers God used to give us the New Testament. They all had a partial form of God’s Word to reference along with His revelations to them. Job predates the Scriptures. One of the earliest historical figures was able to see and believe the last great event to happen. King Jesus will rule and reign upon the throne!!!
- Job believed in Death – my skin worms destroy this body
He does not paint a pretty picture for us. Most people are disgusted by worms (unless they’re fishing worms), and to imagine them being a part of the decomposition process is not pleasant. However, it is a fact. We are all going to die. We will not live nearly as long as Job did, but we must still prepare for what happens after we die. There is no way we can turn death and dying into what it is not. It is ugly, horrible, and unavoidable. Contrary to what some people think, death is not the final end for us. Death is the vehicle God has given us to take us to eternity. Where are you going when you die?
- Job believed in Heaven – in my flesh shall I see God
Earlier in the Book of Job, he asks a question and gives his own answer concerning life after death. “If a man die, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.” Again, what a powerful statement of faith! Job believed everything we hear taught and preached about Heaven. We shall be changed! We shall literally be in the presence of God! We shall receive a new, glorified body! God taught Job throughout his lifetime the truths about the future and, more importantly, his future. If Job believed it, so can we.
Job suffered so much more than we can comprehend. Of the four points listed above, the one that Job did not have a problem believing in was death. He experienced its icy, tragic grip far too often. Throughout all of his suffering, he held on to what he believed. He knew his Redeemer, his Redeemer was also his King, death could not separate him from God’s love and power, and one day he would live forever in a glorified body in the presence of God. I hope Job’s statement of faith brings you comfort, encouragement, and strength today.
photo credit: Kelly Morton