Job had all kinds of questions. He had been through a lot. He experienced terrible hardship and suffering. He had been a faithful and upright man of God, “he feared God and shunned evil” (Job 1:1). Yet God allowed multiple tragedies to befall him. It was so bad that his wife encouraged him to “curse God and die” (Job 2:9). It was bad. So you can understand why he would have some questions. Here was one of them.
Job 14:14 If a man dies, will he live again?
People have pondered that question down through the ages, both those who know the true God and those who do not. Some have devised religions by which they can merit a reward in another life and world. But we do not have to do that. We have the answer we need in God’s Word. The Word made Flesh who came to save all people from sin and death spoke the answer to us Himself.
John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies,,,”
Will we live again? With faith in Jesus the answer is a resounding “Yes!” And this was God’s promise to the world ever since the Fall. God said He would send a Savior to crush Satan’s head and He was true to His Word. Jesus came and did what was needed for everyone to be saved. That included those who lived before Jesus came, people like Job. He believed in God’s promised rescue. He was looking forward to it while we look back at it, but it was the same saving faith.
Job 19:25–27 I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!
One of my favorite Easter hymns is based on this Old Testament passage.
I know that my Redeemer lives
What comfort this sweet sentence gives
He lives, He lives, who once was dead
He lives, my ever living head!
He lives triumphant from the grave
He lives eternally to save;
He lives all-glorious in the sky,
He lives exalted there on high.
He lives to bless me with His love,
He lives to plead for me above,
He lives my hungry soul to feed,
He lives to help in time of need.
He lives to grant me rich supply,
He lives to guide me with His eye,
He lives to comfort me when faint,
He lives to hear my soul’s complaint.
He lives to silence all my fears
He lives to wipe away my tears;
He lives to calm my troubled heart
He lives all blessings to impart.
He lives, my kind, wise, heavenly Friend,
He lives and loves me to the end;
He lives, and while He lives, I’ll sing;
He lives, my Prophet, Priest and King.
He lives and grants me daily breath;
He lives and I shall conquer death;
He lives my mansion to prepare;
He lives to bring me safely there.
He lives, all glory to His name!
He lives, my Jesus, still the same
Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives,
“I know that my Redeemer lives!”
He lives and I shall conquer death. Yes, we will live again. Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
