The believer's hope and Home

 Read Job 14. 

Life is short.  Our days here on earth are numbered and determined by a sovereign and loving God. 

But in his suffering, Job wonders when will it all end?  And, where is this going? 

Further, Job observed that a tree may be cut down, yet with a little water, the stump can sprout life again.  But what about human life?  "If a man dies, shall he live again?" (v.14) 

Life is not about reaching our goals but fulfilling God's purposes.  We are "the work of your hands" (v.15).  Job concluded that over time life simply wears down a person's body and hope until they die. 

Does this sound futile?  Yes...if all of one's hope is wrapped up with things here on earth.  The Apostle Paul wrote, "If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied." (1 Corinthians 15:19) 

The hope and home of the believer is not in this life, but in the one that is to come.  Indeed, Paul was encouraged and referred to it as going home!  "Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.  So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him." (2 Corinthians 5:8-9)