Apr 17, 2022
Scripture Reading: Job 14:7-15 From time immemorial, people have wondered out loud about what happens after we die. There is a longing in the human soul for immortality because our Creator has set eternity in our hearts (Ecc 3:11).
Job’s question in this passage reflects the desire in his heart for eternal life. He notes that when a tree is cut down, sometimes a shoot springs up and the tree lives again (Job 14:7-9). But Job’s reflection is that for a human being, this is not possible. Death is final (Job 14:10-12,18-22). But still he asks the question, "If a man dies, will he live again?" (Job 14:14). It is more than simply wondering. Job is wishing, desiring, longing for immortality.
Job was one the earliest Biblical books written (maybe the first) and God had not fully or clearly revealed the truths concerning resurrection and eternal life at the time of its writing. The Bible is 'progressive' in its revelation. That is, God slowly revealed more information about Himself, His plan, and eternity as more Biblical books were written under the Holy Spirit’s inspiration.
There is a Biblical answer to Job’s plaintive question. There will be a resurrection of all people … some to eternal life and some to eternal death (Dan 12:2; Jn 5:28,29). Jesus triumphantly declared "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die" (Jn 11:25,26). This promise answers our dearest longing. Because of this truth, all who trust in Christ, eagerly and increasingly await the day when our passion for life is completely satisfied, in Him, forever (Rom 8:23; 2 Cor 5:8; Phil 3:20; Titus 2:12,13).