15th July 2024
There is life after suffering
This is the 22nd study in a series of studies about shadows in scripture
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18 (NKJV)
Job’s story is largely of a man living a pain-filled and very physical life – unaware of the heavenly debates that led to his suffering. In his discourse with the God he never denies, we might recognise some of our own prayers: ‘…Show me why you contend with me.’ (Job 10:2).
Job’s ignorance regarding the source of his own pain contrasts with the full knowledge that Jesus had regarding the source of his painful suffering and death. But they were the same – the hand of evil, the arch enemy, Satan. Jesus knew, all the while he was contending with Job, that his own, even greater suffering was to come. One comforting message through both stories is that Satan has no power over those whom God loves and protects. Jesus, in his sinless perfection, had to confront that evil, and to the point of death. It looked as though Satan had won but, in an unimagined plot twist, Jesus was resurrected and now sits at the right hand of the Father in heaven, interceding for us. Job’s physical restoration, detailed at the end of the book, provides an imperfect picture of that perfect outcome.
Job makes a statement, perhaps underlying his careful obedience, including offering sacrifices just in case his children had sinned. He says, “What I feared has come upon me” (Job 3:25 NIV). And later in response to Bildad, he returns to that same fear: “For destruction from God is a terror to me…” (Job 31:23 NKJV). Job’s commendable and respected obedience seems to have been born out of fear of what God would do to him if he failed in any way. Christ spoke to a young man, during his earthly ministry, who was claiming the same obedience when he said, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?” (Matthew 19:20). Christ’s response is telling, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” (v21). Jesus required something else of him, based on love, not physical wealth. Christ’s obedience to the law was firmly based on love. This is something that Job begins to learn at the end of the book when he talks face to face with his Creator.
In the final chapter Job, ‘resurrected’ from the ash heap where he scratched his sores with broken pottery, is directed by God to make intercession for his well-meaning but misguided friends. Job finds himself in the role of a mediator, something he previously pleaded for (Job 9:32-33). We have Jesus Christ providing that intercession for us. The Apostle Paul tells Timothy: ‘For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all…’ (1 Timothy 2:5-6).
Prayer
Father, we are weak and fragile, and we often pray for suffering to be taken away. When suffering continues, please remind us of the suffering endured by your servants, and by your Son, our Saviour, and of the promise of what is to come. Amen.
Study by Maggie Mitchell
About the writer:
Maggie Mitchell attends the Market Harborough congregation of Grace Communion International
Local congregation:
GCI Market Harborough
9 The Point
Rockingham Road
Market Harborough
LE16 7QU
Meeting time:
Sunday 4.00 pm
Local congregational contact:
Sinead Henderson
Email: sinead.henderson@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church