“Why did I not perish…?” Job 3:11a

Please forgive my neglecting to post yesterday. You see, I am in Nevada for a week, caring for my grandson-by-marriage. He is an adorable eight-year-old boy who has won the hearts of my wife and I… as well as our families. Anyway, needless to say, my life has been in hyper-drive. It’s been a long time since I’ve tried to keep up with an eight-year-old! So, here is the second part of Job’s lament:

Seeking to find the words for reflecting his deep anguish, Job first described in several ways why he wished he had never been conceived so that the day of his birth would have never happened. Job then stated he wished he had perished at birth – dying immediately after delivery (v.11).

In anguish, even contesting the goodness of one’s mother is not considered sacred, as Job reflected in his words: “Why were there knees to receive me and breasts that I might be nursed?” (v.12) Yet, one of the best blessings Job ever received in life was having a mother anticipating the joy of motherhood – responsibly caring for him as an infant. It is an honor of the highest order, bringing life into this world; partnering with The Creator in introducing to mankind another soul made in His image.

Job reasoned that had he died during or after delivery, he would never have experienced the turmoil of lost wealth, work and family, and be at peace in the grave. He worded it this way:

“For now I would be lying down in peace; I would be asleep and at rest with kings and counselors of the earth, who built for themselves places now lying in ruins, with rulers who had gold, who filled their houses with silver.” (vv. 13 – 15)

Not satisfied with the notion of dying at birth, Job added the blessing of being still-born – never seeing the light of day (v.16). Had he been still-born, Job would have joined those resting from earthly labors, listing them in the following manner:

• The wicked who cease from their turmoil;

• The weary who find rest;

• The captive who get to be at ease and be freed from their slavery;

• The small and the great all must face the reality of death.  (vv. 17 – 19)

Obviously, Job had spent much time developing his thoughts on the advantages of death. What does this passage teach us? Primarily, that death is an appointment every person must face. To those who have experienced life, death may be a fearful thing; however, to those who are in misery, death may be a blessing.

My sister five years younger than I passed away in 2001 from brain cancer and the treatment of it. She suffered through three surgeries, chemo and radiation treatments, the loss of her mobility and many days of humiliation that those who depend completely on others experience. Though her husband, her siblings, and those who cared for her tried to make her as comfortable as possible, I’m convinced she may have preferred the peace of death over her suffering.

It’s quite painful for the ones who love and care for those in suffering, though the afflicted one surely bears the weight of the burden… attacked day after day by pain and torment. The knowledge of this should motivate us to pray for those in pain: for their relief from emotional, physical, psychological and spiritual trouble. We should also support those who are in such a pitiful state through our financial philanthropy, encouragement, and by making an effort to understand the hardship.

Have a blessed day…