“So Job died, being old and full of days.” (Job 42:17)

Two weeks ago now Pastor Rigsby completed his sermon series through the book of Job. It has been a rich and profitable study.

As we read the last verse of Job, I was curious to have the phrase “full of days” explained. Maybe there was some insight I could learn, if this was a special Hebrew idiom. Like all good sermons, you can’t say everything. Alas, Pastor Rigsby didn’t. So, I began a search of my own.

I haven’t yet discovered the hidden treasure I’ve been looking for. But while on the hunt, I found a couple of unrelated, stray jewels.

Can I share one with you? I’ll quote from Roy Zuck’s contribution in the Bible Knowledge Commentary where he is summarizing the message and meaning of the book of Job.

“This book, probably the oldest in the Bible, deals with mankind’s most pressing problems: the question of suffering and man’s relationship with God. Job’s experience billboards the truth that man’s worship of God does not stem from a businesslike contract, whereby he earns material rewards from God. Man’s relationship to God is not a juridical arrangement in which He is obligated to reward man for every good act. Instead, man is to trust God, worship Him regardless of his circumstances, and rely on the perfections of His character even when God’s ways are not fully understood.

“Misfortune does not mean God has forsaken His own. It does mean He has plans that the sufferer may know nothing of. A believer’s unmerited tragedy may never be fully understood. Yet he can realize that God is in charge, that God still loves him and cares for him. This is what Job learned. His three denouncers said suffering’s purpose is always discipline (punishment for wrongdoings); Job felt it was for destruction (thinking God was determined to destroy him); Elihu stressed that the aim is direction (to keep him from death). But God had two purposes: demonstration (that Satan’s allegations were false) and development of Job’s spiritual insight). Therefore to attack God, to malign Him, or try to corner Him—all of which Job did—are out of the question for a believer. To criticize God’s wisdom only shows one’s own ignorance. The chasm between God and man leaves no place for pride and self-sufficiency.

“Job did not receive explanations regarding his problems, but he did come to a much deeper sense of the majesty and loving care of God. Thus he came to trust Him more fully, knowing that His ways should not be challenged. Though often inexplicable and mysterious, God’s plans are benevolent and beneficial.”

I have a very good feeling that come Sunday, I may learn a little something more about the phrase “full of days.” Until then, I hope I am learning, as Job learned, the absolute significance of an ever increasing, growing trust in God.

Although, like my hunt, I haven’t yet discovered that hidden treasure of increasing faith. However, along the way, it seems I’ve gathered a few jewels that appear to be incomplete trust in God’s faithfulness.

I wonder if “full of days” has something to do with trusting God and His “inexplicable and mysterious” ways?

I read the verse again,

“O ye sons of me, how long will ye turn my glory into shame?
How long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing?” (Psalm 4:2)

Why did David interrupt his prayer to insert God’s thought? It didn’t make sense, until I realized David was referring to himself, not God.

Have you noticed how clumsily the Bible is understood (believed and practiced), yet how much study it has been given?

· – ·

Often it is what we say that results in friction and discord. Occasionally a word not spoken can also have potentially devastating consequences. A word not spoken on my part initiated just such a misdirected confrontation.

Have you noticed how easily relationships are ruined, yet how difficult they are to restore?

· – ·

About the time I was lamenting the loss of our drinking fountain, I read a scandalous report about a pastor whose church I visited one time.

Have you noticed how quickly one (unplanned or deliberate) decision changes the course of a person’s life, yet how long it takes to again correct that course?

· – ·

Despite our best intentions, our thoughts about the Bible will continue to be clumsy, our words will continue to hurt, and our deeds will continue to lead us in life.

Despite our frailties, the Bible will continue to remain true, God’s Church will continue to strive for unity, and God’s people will continue to trust the Lord to make straight our paths.