“Remember that my life is a breath

 

 

 

 

Job 7: 7-10

 

February 9, 2020

 

 

“Remember that my life is a breath; my eye will never again see good. The eye of him who sees me will behold me no more; while your eyes are on me, I shall be gone.   As the cloud fades and vanishes, so he who goes down to Sheol does not come up; he returns no more to his house, nor does his place know him anymore.”

 

We would all be wise to remember our life is as a breath to the Lord. In Psalm 39:5, we see this breath used in this way: “You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you.  Everyone is but a breath,  even those who seem secure.”  But job was very misguided in saying his eyes would never again see good.  He was doing what many of us do, talking about the futures as if he understood what was going to happen.

 

The grave is often referred to as Sheol, and that is what Job is talking about, not hell or eternal judgment.  I do find it of interest, especially in this culture where everyone believes they are so important that they must have a cellphone with them at all times and check it first thing in the morning.  

 

Job 7:11-21

 

Once again, who am I to judge Job? Most of my life, I’ve messed up and made decisions that brought troubles into my life, but that's not the kind of man Job is, and he has no understanding of why he has lost favor with God.  In great pain and sorrow, he is venting to his friends, but is he or is Job really talking to God?  Job tells us that no matter where he goes, he cannot find rest for his body or soul.  Job's hope is that in death he find peace, for he has lost all hope in life.  

 

When we get to 17-21, it becomes apparent Job is not talking to his three friends but God.  I loathe my life; “I would not live forever.  Leave me alone, for my days are a breath.  What is man, that you make so much of him, and that you set your heart on him, visit him every morning, and test him every moment?  How long will you not look away from me, nor leave me alone till I swallow my spit?  If I sin, what do I do to you, you watcher of mankind?  Why have you made me your mark?  Why have I become a burden to you?  Why do you not pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity?  For now, I shall lie in the earth; you will seek me, but I shall not be.”

 

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice