Post by Emmanuel A. O. on May 5, 2013 8:48:32 GMT 1
Beyond the Grave Text: job 19:1-29
“And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God” (Job 19:26).
Physical death is regarded by men as the end of the road. That impression is correct only to the extent that it applies to our earthly existence. The scripture makes it very clear that beyond the grave there is life. Were it not so, there would be no sufficient room for retribution and reward for our life on earth.
Job was quite conscious of this eternal truth. In response to Bildad’s speech in the previous chapter, here he gave vent to his unbearable sufferings arising not only from physical pains he bore but also from the unkindness of his friends; desertion by his relatives. Although he was mistaken in his thought that God was the Author of his affliction, he was sincere in his utterances which flowed from a bleeding heart. But his complaints were only one side of the coin. More significantly, Job expressed his faith and rejoiced in the prospect of resurrection and eternal bliss.
Not many Christians will ever suffer like Job. But the truth is that while here in this life, we are bound to face challenging situations that sometimes task our faith in the Lord. At such times, we are tempted to indulge in complaints. But we must learn from Job the beautiful and comforting art of looking beyond earthly pains - and gains. The hope of resurrection and making heaven should be the greatest and ultimate source of joy for every Christian. We must not allow any earthly agony, however intense it may be, to blur it.
This blessed hope does not apply to everyone who professes to be a Christian. It takes a sound relationship with God that is based on personal experience of salvation and cleansing through repentance and faith in the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. Those who earnestly walk with God here beneath will surely walk on the streets of gold and dwell in the bosom of the Lord forever.
Thought for the day:
Death is by far not the worst thing that can happen to a Christian.
“And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God” (Job 19:26).
Physical death is regarded by men as the end of the road. That impression is correct only to the extent that it applies to our earthly existence. The scripture makes it very clear that beyond the grave there is life. Were it not so, there would be no sufficient room for retribution and reward for our life on earth.
Job was quite conscious of this eternal truth. In response to Bildad’s speech in the previous chapter, here he gave vent to his unbearable sufferings arising not only from physical pains he bore but also from the unkindness of his friends; desertion by his relatives. Although he was mistaken in his thought that God was the Author of his affliction, he was sincere in his utterances which flowed from a bleeding heart. But his complaints were only one side of the coin. More significantly, Job expressed his faith and rejoiced in the prospect of resurrection and eternal bliss.
Not many Christians will ever suffer like Job. But the truth is that while here in this life, we are bound to face challenging situations that sometimes task our faith in the Lord. At such times, we are tempted to indulge in complaints. But we must learn from Job the beautiful and comforting art of looking beyond earthly pains - and gains. The hope of resurrection and making heaven should be the greatest and ultimate source of joy for every Christian. We must not allow any earthly agony, however intense it may be, to blur it.
This blessed hope does not apply to everyone who professes to be a Christian. It takes a sound relationship with God that is based on personal experience of salvation and cleansing through repentance and faith in the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. Those who earnestly walk with God here beneath will surely walk on the streets of gold and dwell in the bosom of the Lord forever.
Thought for the day:
Death is by far not the worst thing that can happen to a Christian.