Life, Death, and Misery Job 3

Review A book about human suffering Job was a good, godly man Satan caused him to lose all his possessions, children and health An attempt to get him to sin Job did not sin after these losses His friends came and sat silently with him for seven days

Outline for Book of Job Prologue (Job 1 - 2) Job’s Introductory Speech (3) First Cycle Of Speeches (4 - 14) Second Cycle Of Speeches ( ) Third Cycle Of Speeches ( ) Speeches Of Elihu ( ) The Lord & Job ( :6) Epilogue (42:7-17)

Outline of Job’s Introductory Speech: Expressing Depth of Job’s Sorrow Would have been better not to be born   Job 3:1-12   Why did I ever have to be born? Death to be desired in some cases   Job 3:13-19   Why can’t I just die & not be an outcast? Trial of living when death is preferable   Job 3:20-26   Why must I live when I would prefer to die?

Better Not To Be Born (3:1-12) Job curses the day of his birth Variety of expressions declaring his sorrow   Wished the day would disappear from calendar   Let day be one of darkness & gloom   His life should have ended before his birth Job is not the only one to express such ideas   Jeremiah 20:14-18   “I wish I hadn’t been born; I didn’t ask to be born”   Common to all that sorrow over present tragedy Job’s words show concept of life before birth Job did not act to end life, but to express his sorrow No suicidal desire, wouldn't even “Curse God, and die” as suggested by his wife

Desirable View of Death (3:13-19) Job sees death as bringing rest and equality to all Various descriptions of death are given:   Rest Time to lay down & be quiet Time of sleep or rest from weariness Place where wicked cannot trouble one Not different from New Testament view (Rev 14:13) Death is rest for the righteous Not personally concerned with the death of the wicked, since he is a righteous man But he knows the wicked will not trouble the righteous (Lk 16:19-26)

Desirable View of Death (3:13-19) Death as equality   Place where all are together, both great & small   Equalizes rich & poor, captive & free...   Not that they would all be in the same place (righteous and wicked)   But that all the righteous would be together Makes no difference what one had in this life Again Lk 16:19-26, Gal 3:26-29 In his desire, Job shows the depth of sorrow   Not unlike the desire of Jeremiah & others   Mankind identifies with this desire at some time Should comfort us that another has been there Job took no action to end his own life

Life Given Amidst Misery (3:20-26) Job questions why life is given to one who would prefer death Job’s descriptions concerning state of misery:   Bitter in soul - Thing I feared comes upon me No one wants to suffer We all fear a protracted, painful death   Long for death, but it comes not   Rejoice exceeding & are glad when find the grave   Search for death more than a hidden treasure   Life is a constant reminder of misery & affliction

Life Given Amidst Misery (3:20-26) Don't think you are alone in wishing you didn't have to suffer Don't think you are alone in wishing you didn't have to suffer Even Jesus prayed that His suffering might be avoided (Lk 22:41-44) Even Jesus prayed that His suffering might be avoided (Lk 22:41-44) 1 Pet 1:6-9 1 Pet 1:6-9 Suffering is grievous, but it can be borne Suffering is grievous, but it can be borne This actually answers Job's question of why we have to go on suffering even when we may wish for an easier way out This actually answers Job's question of why we have to go on suffering even when we may wish for an easier way out

Conclusion Some Lessons to Learn Despair of life in times of great trial & pain is common to all mankind Expression of grief does not always lead to rash action - sometimes needs expression May find solace in knowing God knows of the trial & cares for His servants May gain strength by recalling Job’s end after such expressions of despair Reason for our lives not found in our desire, but God’s purpose for man (Eccl 12:13)