“…it has become a witness…” Job 16:8a

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In the sixteenth chapter of Job is found a most prophetic description of our Lord’s suffering. Job most likely was unaware of how God was breathing The Word through him. When you read verses six through thirteen, reflect on the pain and suffering of The Savior. Here are significant descriptions Job gave of his suffering:

  • “…my pain is not relieved…” (v.6a);

  • “…You have worn me out…” (v.7a);

  • “Men open their mouths to jeer at me…” (v.10a);

  • “…they strike my cheek in scorn and unite together against me.” (v.10b-c);

  • “God has turned me over to evil men…” (v.11a);

  • “He has made me His target…” (v.12c);

  • “Without pity, He pierces my kidneys and spills my gall on the ground.” (v.13b-c).

In the way of suffering, Job was a type of Christ: one who suffered, yet without sin. Did Job live a perfect life? No. He was transparent about the sins of his youth, while still asserting that his pattern for living in adulthood was a practice of piety and devotion to God. Job’s life is a heavenly litmus test of trust in God. It has become a witness to the dynamics of human suffering, and how that suffering points to the passion of Christ – slain from the foundation of the world (read Revelation 13:8).

It was Jesus Who became the target of God’s wrath against sin as He hung on the cross, bearing the punishment for the sins of man. Throughout the entire narrative of scripture is the story of redemption. It all points to Christ: from the creation to the victorious return of Christ. It is written through the lives of the faithful; breathed into their inspired writings; and is the center of attention for the hosts of heaven (read 1 Peter 1:12; Revelation 5:1-9).

While this passage may divinely point to Christ, nonetheless Job’s suffering was overwhelming, and by the continued trauma of suffering, he fell back into, yet, another venting of blaming God. His complaints were detailed in the following way:

  • even when he stopped expressing his suffering, the pain never stopped (v.6b);

  • God had worn him out (v.7a);

  • God had devastated his entire household (v.7b);

  • God assailed him in anger (v.9a);

  • God seized him by the neck and crushed him (v.12b);

  • his life had become God’s target (v.12c);

  • God’s assaults were ongoing (v.14a).

Again, we see how faith can be overwhelmed, causing one’s understanding of God’s faithfulness to become confused. We know God DID have a target on Job – to use his life as an example before Heaven’s court of a faithful follower – a life completely abandoned to God and His purposes.

If Job’s life became a witness to suffering (though perhaps revealing Job’s human weakness to blame God), what will your life be to the generations to follow. As you give thanks to God for the redemption story, ask that your heart be empowered to become a witness pointing to Christ – whether it be through suffering like Job or through standing against those things which seek to extinguish the light of His truth.

Have a blessed day…