“At least there is hope…” Job 14:7a

Sounds great, doesn’t it? We all want hope for the future. In this case, however, Job was describing the advantage a tree may have over a human: namely, the ability to sprout again after being cut down (read vv. 7 – 10). Job saw death as a permanent condition, with no afterlife. Here’s how he described it:

“As water disappears from the sea or a riverbed becomes parched and dry, so man lies down and does not rise; till the heavens are no more, men will not awake or be roused from their sleep.” (vv. 11 – 12)

Job prayed a wish to God: that he would be like a tree that had been cut down, able to sprout again to life:

“If only You would hide me in the grave and conceal me till Your anger has passed! If only You would set me a time and then remember me!” (v.13)

Do you see what I see in this verse? Job was describing EXACTLY what happened at Jesus’ death. Jesus died on the cross for the sins of man, placed in a borrowed tomb, and after a set time of three days, raised to life. God was breathing into an unknowing Job the very foundation of Christianity! And Job didn’t even believe in an afterlife!

Though Job may not have had a solid grasp of the afterlife, he DID have a personal hope in God’s restoration of his life to become full and abundant once again:

“If a man dies, will he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait for my renewal to come. You will call and I will answer You; You will long for the creature Your hands have made.”

God somehow revealed to Job the calling card of access to God in prayer: acknowledging oneself to be the work of God’s hands and valuable in God’s eyes. God DOES long for fellowship with those made in His own image. He cares for you so much!

Are you, like Job, listening for God’s calling? Are you ready to answer Him to experience the renewal He will bring to your heart, mind and life? If so, AT LEAST THERE IS HOPE for every Believer to experience renewal and refreshing! We also, on this side of the cross, have a blessed hope that God has set the time for our homecoming and resurrection. Blessed be His name!

Have a blessed day…