The Bible says:
“Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life to the bitter in soul; which long for death, but it cometh not; and dig for it more than for hid treasures; which rejoice exceedingly, and are glad, when they can find the grave? Why is light given to a man whose way is hid, and whom God hath hedged in?” — Job 3: 20-23
When a man has suffered as Job had and wants to die, desires to die, reaches for death, and longs for the grave, why not let him die? Why prolong the life of one who no longer wanted to live?
Jesus suffered greatly during His earthly ministry. He also longed for death.
“For the Lord God will help me ... therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.”
— Isaiah 50: 7
But He longed for death because He knew it would have the universal and eternal purpose of redeeming the lost.
Job had previously said he wished he had died while still in his mother’s womb. ( Job 3: 1-10) And then if he had been born he wished he had died immediately. (Job 3: 11-19) And he wishes he could die now. (Job 3: 20-26) Obviously,Job isn’t afraid of death and not afraid of what waits for him in the afterlife. Job knew he was righteous and knew those who are righteous before God have nothing to fear of death.
I’ve met some Christians through the years who are afraid of death. I find it a strange thing for a Christian to be afraid of death, especially since we know that death is what ushers the Christian into Heaven and the very presence of God the Father and Jesus Christ, the saints of old, and the holy angels. (2 Corinthians 5: 8) But why does God give “light” or all that is necessary for the continuation of life to someone who is devastated and broken, and who feels they can’t take anymore and wants to leave this world for the next so they can be at rest?
Why does the sun come up in the morning, and the birds sing from the window, and the gentle breeze blow, and the flowers give off their pleasant fragrance to the one who is suffering such heartache and the loss of so much?
It’s because in the midst of our sorrow, we must keep moving forward and keep putting one foot in front of the other.
We must get up and go to work and school. We must get up and go to church. We must get up and tend to the home. We must get up and mow the grass.
For this trial, too, must pass, and there is a blessing just around the bend in the road.
Though when we suffer greatly, death is appealing and inviting. But it’s only as we trust God and remain loyal to Him through our suffering that we project to the world the sustaining and keeping power of God.
And like with Job, if we stay true to God in our trial though we would welcome death there will be a blessing around the next bend waiting for us.
(Job 42: 10-17) “Weeping may endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning.”
— Psalm 30: 5
James H. Cagle is a Ray City resident who pastored several churches for a total of 11 years. Email him at pastorjameshcagle@ yahoo.com
