WHAT IS MAN ?

November, Tuesday 1rst, 2016

Job 7:1-21

Job is pessimistic because of his painful life hasn't any more hope. But, surronded by these calamities, he has eyes to discern their sense in God (6:30). He is complaining about suffering but he has resigned himself to it, not attaining the limit of sin.

1. The fate of mankind on earth (1-10)

Job relates what is the fate of mankind. His body is covered in worms and he suffers in continual insomnia, the night seems be an eternal agony. On the other hand, days quickly pass, as clouds which evaporate. In fact physical life is very brief and ephemeral. As a hired hand who looks for his wages, as a slave who longs for the shadow, life is full of pain and suffering and it's a vanity. All those who have passed don't come back again.

2. I will complain in the bitterness of my soul (11-21)

Life is a breath as a vapour (Jc 4:14). Those who are here disappear and we don't find them. Mankind is as clouds which evaporate. Job is complaing about his unhappy fate. But it's not because he has something against God. He accepts the sovereignty of God. Moreover he finds a grateful heart toward God who trains him. He doesn't doubt God's love in spite of his insurmountable sufferings, rather he exalts God's love. What is man, he says, that you set your heart on him and visit him every morning ? (17). Even if mankind sins, against who does God attack ? Mankind has no value. But Gods takes interest in him.

Prayer: Lord, I know that life is as a breath. But during this life on earth, train me by your love, so that I become a useful person.

Bottom line: Job is complaining in bitterness but not in sin.