Job 19-42

 

The doctrine of the resurrection is infrequently taught in the Old Testament. That is why the Sadducees and Pharisees differed on this issue in the days of Christ. Their scriptures did not discuss the doctrine with sufficient clarity for them to be unified on this point (Matt. 22:23; Acts 23:6-8). Had they understood Job’s statement, they would have believed. With boils from head to foot, shaven, and unrecognizable to his friends and family, Job had reason to look toward the refreshing concept of the Resurrection. He knew all his misery was temporary. He knew all would be restored to its perfect and proper frame.

 

[Christ] it was who answered Job’s desperate question, “If a man die, shall he live again?” (Job 14:14). And it was Job who prophetically declared concerning the resurrected Master:

 

For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:

And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:

Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me (Job 19:25–27).

 

At some time every one of us must face the question which Job faced, and because of the Atonement wrought by Jesus Christ we may answer it as Job answered it. How wondrous is the story of the great Creator, the mighty Jehovah, who condescended to come to earth as the babe born in Bethlehem of Judea, who walked the dusty paths of Palestine teaching and healing and blessing, who gave His life on Calvary’s painful cross, and who rose from Joseph’s tomb, appearing to many on two continents—the resurrected Lord of whom we read in the testament of the Old World, the Bible, and in the testament of the New World, the Book of Mormon, as well as in the sure word of modern revelation.

 

We have read these, and the Spirit has borne witness in our hearts so that we too can testify that Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life, and that he that believeth in Him, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and he that liveth and believeth in Him shall never die (see John 11:25–26). (“The Empty Tomb Bore Testimony,” Ensign, May 1988, 66)

 

 

Perhaps the best-known Old Testament example of perseverance is the story of Job. As you know, it narrates the afflictions that befell a righteous man and considers reasons for those afflictions. It does not entirely answer the question of why Job, or anyone, might suffer pain and sorrow, but does state clearly that affliction is not necessarily a sign of God’s anger and a punishment for sin, as Job’s friends told him. The book suggests that affliction, if not for punishment, may be for experience, discipline, and instruction (see Bible Dictionary, LDS edition of the King James Version, s.v. “Job”).

 

I do not know of anything that members of the Church need more than they need the conviction and perseverance of Job. He was a just man who feared God and avoided evil. After the Lord allowed Satan to torment Job, his afflictions included the loss of his seven sons and three daughters, the loss of his wealth in flocks and herds and serious physical illnesses. Remaining faithful to the Lord through his indescribable sorrow and suffering, Job was able to say, “Blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him. … He also shall be my salvation. … For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth … yet in my flesh shall I see God” (Job 13:15–16; Job 19:25–26).

 

The result of Job’s perseverance is told in the conclusion of the story. The Lord blessed him with a family, good health, and great possessions. He continued in his course, despite unrelenting opposition, until he saw the Lord (see Job 42:5). (“Never Give Up,” Ensign, Nov. 1987, 8)

 

 

After Job had passed all his tests, he was given twice as much in material things as he had had before. He was also much wiser. The record says, "So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginnings." (Job 42:12.) And God will similarly bless us if we are diligent in developing the excellence of our wisdom. (The Wealth of Wisdom [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1977], 20)