At the lowest point of Job's affliction, his experience reflects the work of Christ and his words anticipate the coming of Christ.
Suffering in Solitude (v.1-22)
Job is tormented by his 3 friends (v.1-5), forsaken by God (v.6-12), and shunned by his relatives (v.13-20). His cry for pity goes unanswered (v.21-22). Job's experience of being utterly forsaken on every side is surely a prophetic glimpse of the experience of Christ, who was 'despised and rejected by men...as one from whom men hide their faces' (Is 53:3). Christ's humiliation receives much prophetic attention in the Old Testament. His suffering was part of His subjection to the consequences of our sin. It was also for the testing and perfecting of His obedience, and is an example of patience and perseverance to us. His suffering assures us of His sympathy towards us when we suffer any affliction, and our afflictions are a point of unity with Him.
My Redeemer Lives (v.23-29)
Job's highest expression of faith comes in the midst of his lowest point of despair. He places his faith in a certain 'kinsman-redeemer' who is coming. Because of Him, Job is confident that his flesh will be restored, his body will be resurrected, and he will see God. In verse 27, Job marvels at the prospect of seeing God with his own eyes, 'not as a stranger,' but with familiarity and intimacy. With his mind fixed upon Christ and the promise of salvation, Job's affliction is forgotten in a moment of eager anticipation (v.27). |
