Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb? – Job 3:11

Today's Scripture Reading (July 1, 2021): Job 3

"Death, taxes and childbirth! There's never any convenient time for any of them." The words belong to Margaret Mitchell in her classic book, "Gone with the Wind." Yet, not all of the three are really equal. Death and taxes are both net losses. There does not seem to be any redeeming value in either of them. Death is a final cessation of our lives and the end of the parade of tomorrows that we have enjoyed from the moment of our birth, and taxes cost us assets that we would rather put to better use. The problem with death is that it often seems to cut life off when there are still things to be done, and at least one of the difficulties with taxes is that we don't trust the government to spend our money wisely.

But childbirth stands alone in a different class. I don't think any man can understand the immense pain involved with bringing a child into this world, but the other end of childbirth brings with it a pleasure. Childbirth is not a net loss, like death and taxes. Once the birth pains have subsided, the mother and father are left with a "bundle of joy." Not that the pain is finished; diapers still have to be changed, sleepless nights endured, the onset of the stubbornness of the terrible twos, and then, of course, the teenage years, which seems to begin earlier and earlier every year. But every child also brings with it the presence of great potential and the joy that is present in the ordinary things of life. The birth of every child brings with it the hope of tomorrow.

Job has had a good life. He had accomplished much. He had married and welcomed children into his life which he has loved with every part of his being. He has reached many of the goals that he has set for himself. Now, as he reaches what should have been the best years of his life, everything has been taken away from him. He has been left with nothing. His wealth has been lost, his children killed, and his health has been stolen away from him. Yes, he had good times, but now the pain of loss is overwhelming. There is no hope left for Job.

Without hope, life becomes more painful than is tolerable. And Job's hopelessness moves him to question the day that he was born. What has been the purpose of his life? Everything that he believed was his purpose has been removed, his legacy has been tarnished, and those who would carry on after his life have died before him. His life was a net loss, and, therefore, in Job's mind, it would have been better if he died at the beginning of life, rather than having to suffer in this way at the end of his life.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Job 4

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