Job 14:15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Thus, will we genuinely 'respond to God' when He 'calls,' at the moment the Supreme Incorruption wills us to rise in incorruption. Since the creature cannot achieve this on its own, it is only by the grace of Almighty God that it receives the gift of being transformed into this magnificent glory of incorruption. Therefore, You will extend Your right hand to the work of Your creation. As if to state plainly, 'It is solely for this reason that Your corruptible creature can be restored to incorruption; it is sustained by Your powerful hand and maintained by Your grace for restoration.' The human creature is such that when it acts on its own, it falls short; however, when man accepts from his Creator the grace to be uplifted and supported through contemplation, he is firmly established in incorruption. Consequently, to prevent creation from diminishing itself, it is elevated to the stability of immutability at the right hand of its Creator. Additionally, it can be understood that 'right hand' signifies the Son, through whom all things were created. John 1:3. Only Almighty God can 'extend Your right hand to the work of Your hands,' as He alone can elevate humanity to a state where it no longer succumbs to lesser things. To achieve this purpose, He sent forth His only begotten Son, the Incarnate One. Only through His Incarnation can we, who have fallen into corruption by our own choosing, one day respond to God when He calls us into the glory of incorruption. Who can fathom the depth of God’s Mercy, which raises man to such heights and glories following his sin? God witnesses our transgressions, yet in His merciful grace, He offers forgiveness. Therefore, let us encourage further reflection:

From the examination of Job's speeches thus far, it becomes evident that he recognizes the fallen nature of humanity and understands that both joy and sorrow come from God’s divine guidance. Based on his own experiences, Job insists that a person's fate cannot always be linked to their moral choices but can also be influenced by hidden decrees from God. This realization prompts him to seek relief from his afflictions while also inquiring about the reasons for his suffering. Meanwhile, Job’s friends, rooted in the concept of human sin, maintain a rigid view that equates earthly happiness with virtue. They perceive each misfortune as a punishment for wrongdoing, and when there are no clear transgressions, they are quick to suspect Job of hidden sins.