Job 14:1-22
Life is too short, and the end seems tragic. However, Job wished to have resurrection faith, though it was difficult in view of the reality of life in the flesh.
1. A soul's rest asked for (1-6)
A man's life is like a cut flower. Its duration is fixed by God. After this, man seems to go to the place for the unclean (4). No one can bring a clean thing out of an unclean. Life is ephemeral and short, leading to eternal condemnation. Moreover, life seems to be an unending fight with the Creator. It seems man is the enemy of God. Job asks if a poor man does not deserve a little rest for his soul as the wages for his life's work.
2. Job's hope for after death (7-22)
When spring arrives, new life comes after death. Yet, what is the destination of the man who disappears forever? Man is swallowed up by death; he goes to sleep and doesn't wake up. This is man's lot. However, Job did not give up hope. He kept some hope in resurrection and eternal life. But this kind of hope springs suddenly, then evaporates, as reality is harsh and cruel. Guilt from past sins is especially persistant (16,17). Therefore, new hope disappears. If the next generation comes to honor thanks to its hard work, or if it is brought low because of its cruelty, man does not perceive it. Thus, life seems to be tragic. At any rate, man suffers in the flesh and in his soul (21,22).
Prayer: Lord, I know that life is short. Help me to keep resurrection hope.
Bottom line: Keep hope in the resurrection
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