In Job 35 and 36 Elihu continues to speak. He says that nothing that Job has done, either good or bad, has any effect on God. It doesn’t move God one way or the other. He repeats the friends’ thoughts that God uses affliction to bring wicked people around to the righteous way. He warns Job to be careful that in his anger he shouldn’t risk sinning. Elihu extols the greatness of God and encourages Job to do likewise.

 Philippians 1 begins a letter that is filled with joy. This is one church that Paul rejoices in. He knows that god will continue to bless this church and its ministry.

Paul shares that his imprisonment has been used by God to proclaim the good news. The people are being even bolder in their witness: some out of jealousy of Paul and some in order to encourage him, but Paul rejoices that no matter the reason the gospel is being spread.

He states that he will continue to be bold in his testimony even if it means death. He is at odds which the better state is: to be alive and therefore able to continue his ministry or to die and be with Christ. With this attitude he encourages the Philippian church to remain faithful even in their struggles and suffering. He considers it all a blessing.

Reading these words of Paul, I am struck by his contentment with either life or death. So many of us, even we Christians, are afraid of death. We put our family members through painful treatments to extend their lives if only for a few months. As people of faith we shouldn’t fear death. We have been given the hope of the resurrection in Christ Jesus. We look forward to a future with our loving Lord. Even though we don’t have the ability to fully comprehend how wonderful that life after death is, we should look forward to its coming as much as we treasure our days here. As long as we are able to serve the Lord and given our assurance of life with Christ after death we, like Paul, should consider both good options.