We continue our study of Job. This week in worship, we will use Job 14:7-15; 19:23-27.
‘For there is hope for a tree,
if it is cut down, that it will sprout again,
and that its shoots will not cease.
Though its root grows old in the earth,
and its stump dies in the ground,
yet at the scent of water it will bud
and put forth branches like a young plant.
But mortals die, and are laid low;
humans expire, and where are they?
As waters fail from a lake,
and a river wastes away and dries up,
so mortals lie down and do not rise again;
until the heavens are no more, they will not awake
or be roused out of their sleep.
O that you would hide me in Sheol,
that you would conceal me until your wrath is past,
that you would appoint me a set time, and remember me!
If mortals die, will they live again?
All the days of my service I would wait
until my release should come.
You would call, and I would answer you;
you would long for the work of your hands.
‘O that my words were written down!
O that they were inscribed in a book!
O that with an iron pen and with lead
they were engraved on a rock for ever!
For I know that my Redeemerlives,
and that at the last hewill stand upon the earth;
and after my skin has been thus destroyed,
then inmy flesh I shall see God,
whom I shall see on my side,
and my eyes shall behold, and not another.
My heart faints within me!
Music for Reflection from Jim Rowe, Minister of Music
As Job continues to grieve, those around him suggest he has done something to turn God against him. Job also feels some of this and questions God, seeking understanding. He prays for relief and admits he’s been broken.
When Job hears from Bildad that God punishes the wicked, Job answers back “I know that my Redeemer lives”, signifying that he still has faith in God. We also must have faith in God as we sit in the ashes, believing in the Redeemer who offers comfort and peace in the midst of our pain and grief in what was, is and will be our new reality.
If you would like to share any of your reflections or other music that comes to mind with this passage, feel free to share in the Risen Lord Facebook group or with music@risenlordlc.org.