Shadows of Jesus in Job

Our true hope

Today’s Through the Bible Reading: Job 1 -4

Abbreviated Reading: Job 1

It is traditionally thought that Job took place before or around the time of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (between 2200 and 1800 BC). So we're leaving Genesis briefly and reading chronologically in Job.

At first glance, the book of Job may appear to be simply a book filled with trouble – but a closer look reveals far more. That in and of itself holds deep truth. God Almighty can take evil and turn it to good.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 1 Peter 1:7

But even sweeter than turning trial to benefit, is when Jesus is found and revealed in the midst of the difficulties. That my friend is the treasure found in the book of Job. This book which is renowned for the trials it depicts, holds some of the deepest revelations and shadows of Jesus.

Take the very fist chapter, for example, God refers to Job as blameless and upright. Yet we know that no one is righteous, that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:10, 23). Here we find the grace and mercy of our Lord revealed in the Old Testament. Just as He declared over His servant Job, “He is blameless and upright,” so too He declares over you and me through Jesus Christ.

Like Job, you can stand before God in full confidence that your sins are forgiven, you are clothed in Christ’s righteousness, and the blood of Jesus cleanses every fault and failure (1 John 1:9; Eph. 5:27). God has poured out His favor on you and has declared you blameless and righteous—all because of Jesus (Rom. 5:1).

Job is filled with types and shadows, prophesies, and promises of a redeemer who would come and restore mankind. Look for Jesus throughout this book - and you’ll find Him… After all, Jesus is the very essence of the Scriptures. The Old Testament points to Him and the New Testament reveals Him. He is the Word made flesh and we have beheld His glory (John 1:1-14).

Let's open God’s Word together and read Job, as we pray that our eyes are open to see Jesus.