I am frequently asked where I get the ideas for my weekly lessons. Very frequently they come from questions or comments made by someone else. One of the blessings my wife and I received while on our trip to the Holy Land was the friendship found with Brothers and Sisters in Jesus. We have remained in contact with some of these Christian friends over the years.

One such Brother recently was commenting on the foreshadow that I had found regarding Job and Israel. Job is a picture of Israel. Job was very wealthy. Job had it all. Job suffered from afflictions and lost everything that he had. Israel was the premier nation during the time of Kings David and Solomon. But Israel lost it all, including their very country and the magnificent Temple of God.

Job lost seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses. In the end Job received back double of everything he lost; fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses. Job also lost his seven sons and three daughters. He received seven more sons and three more daughters, for a total of fourteen sons and six daughters, including those who were already in Heaven.

My friend pointed out something that I had missed. Job is also a picture of the Lord Jesus.

Jesus had it all. He was second in command in the Heavenly realm. He was the Creator. “All things were made by him” (John 1:3). Jesus forsook it all to come to earth, and live as a man, and to be the perfect sacrifice.

Jesus was afflicted, beaten and put to death. In the end the Lord Jesus has received even more than he forsook. He was the first man to be resurrected (I Corinthians 15:20). He sits at the right hand of God (Luke 22:69). His name is above all other names (Philippians 2:9). Jesus now has untold billions of worshippers (Revelation 7:9).

Job is a picture or foreshadow of Israel, who has been promised a double portion (Isaiah 61:7). Israel has been promised riches, pre-eminence, and glory in the coming Millennial Kingdom. Job is also a picture or foreshadow of Jesus, who now sits in Glory and will hopefully soon come to gather His bride, the Church, to Himself.

I have referred to the Bible as the Picture Book because of the many pictures and foreshadows that it provides to us. Obviously, there are many pictures that I have overlooked or have not noticed. I am grateful to Brother Cary for pointing out yet another picture from the Word.

When we all get to Glory, the Lord will show us so much more that is contained in His Holy Bible. Praise His name!