A FRESH ENCOUNTER WITH GOD
Job 40:1-5, 42:1-6
Proposition: A fresh encounter with God is a renewal of one’s personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Objective: My purpose is to challenge people to a fresh encounter with
God in their personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.
INTRODUCTION:
Illus: A politician met an old friend on the street and said, "I sure hope you’re going to vote for me." The friend said, "No!" The politician asked, "But was not it me who got your daughter a job when she graduated from high school? Wasn’t it me who helped you pay your hospital bill? So why don’t you vote for me?" The friend replied, "Because you haven’t done anything for me recently." Unfortunately, a lot of Christians are like that politician’s friend. We forget God’s blessings so quickly. Psalm 103:2 exhorts, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits." "All his benefits" includes all His blessings. All ingratitude is unlovely, but especially unlovely in Christians. There is no relief from our burdens in complaining and self-pity.
Illus: A deacon once wrote out his experience. Later he brought it out for his pastor during a visit. He stated: “Here is my experience.” It was moth eaten. How said but that is the experience of many people in relation to their spiritual experience. There is nothing fresh and their experience has become stale. That is why we have revivals to remind us of our need of an up-to-date experience in our relationship with our God.
The book of Job begins with the attention of heaven focused on Job, a righteous man, who loved the things of God and lived a righteous life. He was extraordinarily successful in all of his relationships and endeavors. Then Satan asked the fateful question: Does Job fear God for nothing? To answer this, God allowed an experiment to go forth in which Job was tested through the loss of all that he held dear. The majority of the rest of the book is a series of discussions between Job and his so-called comforters.
Job is looking for a God big enough to comprehend his experience. He becomes aware and certain of God’s care for him. He wants to know that God is there and that He cares. At times Job goes down, and at times up. But the focus of his lament is always his relationship with God. At his angriest moments he is angry with God, at his most hopeful moments his hope is in God, and at his most fearful moments he is terrified of God. In Job 40, God continues to question Job, a cross-examination that exposes Job for what he really is--a finite creature. God presses Job further and chides him, challenging him to do a better job than He at being God and running the world. God hammers Job by asking him unanswerable questions about creation, himself and the behemoth. At the end of the entire process, God appeared and confronted Job in a whirlwind. Having been overwhelmed by the presence of God himself, Job comes to see himself as God sees him. It is as though he says, “Lord, You said, ‘Hear and declare unto me;’ but after seeing You as You as You are, rather than as I have taught that You are. I repudiate what I have said and repent in sackcloth and ashes.”
This will be a wrap-up to the experiences of Job.
I. REBELLION BECAUSE OF ONE’S PLIGHT (34:37 Elihu states, “For he adds rebellion to his sin; He claps his hands among us, And multiplies his words against God.”) He charges Job with sinning by how he spoke against God. Not only did Job face God’s discipline in his suffering, he was rebelling against God with his prideful attitude of seeking to vindicate (justify) himself. He questions God’s justice (v. 17) when he says, “Should one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn Him who is most just?” Then he demands that God answers him (v .29), “When He gives quietness, who then can make trouble? And when He hides His face, who then can see Him, Whether it is against a nation or a man alone?” Then in v. 32 he demands that God show him where he had sinned, “Teach me what I do not see; If I have done iniquity, I will do no more’?” All of this is because of what he has experienced: He is discrowned (loss of property and family) (Read Job 1:13-15, 18-19)--Job did not realize that this was the result of the work of Satan. He is disrobed (loss of good health) (2:7-8), discredited (his good name) and shows disbelief (lacks a vital up to date personal experience). What bothers him really is shown:
1. Advantage: The joy of the presence of God in one’s home (29:2-6)-- In previous months (thus suggesting that his disease extended over at least several months’ time; cf. 7:3) God had watched over him (cf. 10:12) & blessed him. Job had experienced previously a happy home (his children were with him, in contrast with their now being dead), & he was prosperous (cream & olive oil were symbols of plenty). God watched over him & shared His “friendly counsel” (v. 4--NKJV) and “intimate fellowship” with Him. The light of God was upon Job and God’s presence was with his family. He knew that God was the source of all his wealth and success. He had missed that during his suffering and this affected his personal relationship with God.
2. Admiration: The joy of respect from others (vvs. 7-11)-- The suffering saint had enjoyed social prestige as a judge (elders held court sessions at the city gate; cf. Deut. 21:19; 22:15; Josh. 20:4, which may partially account for Job’s use of legal terms). He was respected not only by those younger than he but, contrary to normal customs, also by older persons. The silence of his elders at the city gate, where they waited for his words of wisdom (cf. Job 29:21-23), was missing from his three gabby associates! Others had put their hands on their mouths (to gesture their silence), but not these three! (21:5; cf. 40:4) Job was then well spoken of (29:11), not maligned as his present company was doing to him (19:2-3). When he had walked through the city, the young men stepped aside to let him pass. He missed the seat at the city gate with the leading men of the city now that he was on the ash heap, and even they ceased their speaking when he arrived. Wherever he went, he was treated with respect (v. 11). All men spoke well of him, Job remembered, and commended him for his insight and counsel.
3. Attention: The joy of ministry to others (vvs. 12-17)--What God gave to him he shared with others. Why was Job so highly respected? One reason is that he helped the needy (vv. 12-13, contrary to Eliphaz’s charges, 22:6-7, 9), including the poor, orphans, the dying, and bereaving widows. Another reason is that he administered justice (29:14-17), championing the causes of and assisting the blind, the lame, the needy, and the stranger, and overturning their oppressors (the fangs of the wicked, ‛awāl, “an unrighteous person”; cf. 18:21; 27:7; 31:3). Ironically Job’s associates failed to help him now that he was down. This truly is a description of the ministry of a compassionate man who brought help and happiness to many. The fact that he stooped to help those who could give nothing in return placed him head and shoulders above the rest of his companions. Job strengthened righteousness and justice in the city (29:14; Isa. 59:17) as he helped the handicapped, provided for the needy; he also confronted the wicked and broke their power (v. 17).
4. Anticipation : The joy of confi-dence in the future (vvs. 18-20)-- Job had fully expected God’s blessings to continue, with his living a long life (days like the sand) of stability (roots), prosperity (dew), an honorable reputation (glory), with perennial strength (pictured by a new bow; cf. 30:11). This was before his calamities came upon him. He pictured himself as a healthy tree that had tapped into a source of life-giving sustenance. This metaphor represented the abundant life he once anticipated would be his enjoy. God was blessing Job, and Job was sharing those blessings with others; so that he had every reason to believe that life would continue that way for years to come. He had been confident that he would stay fresh and vigorous , live to an old age and die in peace and glory, but how that had changed.
5. Attitude: The joy with the privilege of speaking words of encouragement and helps (vvs. 21-25)-- Besides being blessed (vv. 2-6), helping others (vv. 7-17), and expecting his health and vigor to continue (vv. 18-20), Job’s counsel was welcomed —contrary to the attitude of his three uninvited guests! People had eagerly welcomed his opinions, like the soil drinking in the spring rain. In his counseling he even encouraged others by his smile; in contrast one wonders if the three friends ever uplifted Job with warm smiles. Job’s counselees had taken his advice (I chose the way for them), and respected him (cf. v. 11) as if he were a chief or king. Besides, he also comforted those who grieved, another area in which his assailants failed. When he spoke, it was as gentle and refreshing as the rain. Job’s approval was like the dawning of a new day. He was one to bring fresh comfort and hope.
Illus: “Truth without enthusiasm, morality without emotion, ritual without soul, are things Christ unsparingly condemned. Destitute of fire, they are nothing more than a godless philosophy, an ethical system and a superstition.” Samuel Chadwick
II. REBUKE BECAUSE OF ONE’S PRIDE (31:35-37)
(Pride does achieve some success.)-- Job longed that someone would hear him, for his committee of accusers was not really listening to his views (cf. 13:6, 17;21:2). So, like a defendant in court, he signed (figuratively) his statement of defense, ready for God to answer him. He was so confident of his innocence that he would proudly wear God’s written indictments, knowing they could easily be proved false. He called God his Accuser (lit., “Man of my indictment”). This was a
daring move, for accused people usually do not want their plaintiff’s indictments, whether true or false, to be publicized. Job would refute all God’s incriminations,doing so in confidence like a prince. He was rebuked because of his crossing the line in his pride by both God and man.
1. Confusion: “Who are you anyway?” (38:2)-- At last Job’s plea that God answer him was granted. Repeatedly Job had knocked on heaven’s door, longing for God to answer (13:22; 31:35). Or he wished that an arbiter (9:33) or an advocate or intercessor (16:19-20) would speak on his behalf. But God’s response was nothing like Job had anticipated. Job wanted a legal hearing, an opportunity to prove the illegality of God’s onslaughts against him, the patriarchal plaintiff. But instead of answering Job’s charges about the Sovereign’s injustices, God asked Job questions! Instead of answering Job’s subpoena, He issued a subpoena to Job! Rather than explaining the theory of evil or the role of suffering, God rebuked Job for presuming to challenge His ways>
1). Recognition “Who is this” (v. 2) “You are known by me even though you say, ‘I’m silent.’” The reason God rebuked him was because of the arrogant manner in which he had spoken of God and of His way He was governing the world. It was important before God manifested His approval of Job, that he should declare his sense of what he had said, and show him how improper it was to indulge in language such as he had used.
2). Reality (v. 3) “Let’s see if you are really a man?” God says, “I will submit some questions to you for solution. Since you have spoken with so much confidence of knowing my ways and working, I will propose some inquiries as a test of your knowledge.” In more than 70 questions—none of which Job could answer—God interrogated Job regarding numerous aspects of inanimate and animate nature. These two science examinations ranged in subject matter from the constellations to the clods, from the beasts to the birds. The wonders of God’s creation are dazzlingly displayed in outer space, in the sky, and on the earth.
Illus: “Do you want to challenge me to a belt-wrestle?” This was an ancient popular sport. It was used as an ordeal in court. It is an ordeal that Job’s case is being settled.
3). ’Remembrance (v. 4) “Where were you when I created the earth? Tell me, since you know so much!” This first appeal is about the creation. The question here, “Where were you?” implies that Job was not present. He had not then an existence. He could not, therefore, have aided God, or counseled Him, or understood what He was doing. We must remember who we really are in the first place, only God’s creation, made to have fellowship with Him.
2. Comprehension: “Do you really know more than I do? (38:18)-- Though people cannot understand God’s doings, they can trust Him. Worship should stem from an appreciation of God Himself, not a comprehension of all God’s ways. Though puzzled, people should still praise. God did not explain His ways to Job; He exhibited them, thus showing that the sovereign Creator and Sustainer of the universe does not owe puny man an explanation. Man is to report to Him, not vice versa. Yet, though God did not explain His design in man’s difficulties, His purpose in pain, He did reveal Himself.
1). Confrontation: “You are guilty of ignore-ance and obscuring my counsel” (38:2)--God confronts Job about his competency to call God into question.
a. “How is the earth founded?” (vvs. 4-7) (vvs. 4-5)--God humbles Job by asking him an array of questions about His creation of the physical world, none of which Job can answer.
b. “How was the sea bounded” (vvs. 8-11) (v. 8)--God shifts His questioning to the rotation of the earth’s sphere, God pressed Job harder. God questions Job about the creation of the sea with the purpose of revealing Job’s lack of knowledge.
c. “How are earth’s days rounded?” (cycle) (vvs. 12-15, cf. vvs. 12-13)--God continues to humiliate Job by interrogating him with questions he cannot answer about God’s ways with the wicked.
d. “Have you sounded the depth of the sea or measured the breadth of the land?” (vvs. 16-18, cf. 16 & 18)--God challenges Job, asking if he knows the various mysteries surrounding death and the deep. Job remains silent, dumbfounded by the profound workings of God’s providence in creation.
2). Contrast: ‘Now, let’s test your great wisdom (v. 19ff., 39:26) “Where is…”--Mr. Know-It-All. "Do you know where Light comes from & where Darkness lives So you can take them by the hand & lead them home when they get lost?” He realizes that there is a lot he doesn’t know.
3. Comparison: “Do you have more power than I do?” (38:25ff.)--Job thought he was a powerful man but that soon changed and he is rebuked for his failing to realize that he was fully dependent on God for all His many blessings.
1). God rules over the rain and lighting (vvs. 25-28) “Who does all these wonderful things?” --God interrogates Job with questions about lightning and rain. “What is their beginnings? How are they begun?”
2). God rules over the ice (vvs. 29-30) “From who womb comes the ice?”--God reminds Job that the source of frozen precipitation is God, who controls water in the various forms.
3). God rules over the planets (vvs. 31-33) “Can you bind the cluster of the Pleiades” (A great grouping of 6 or 7 visible stars in the constellation of Taurus)--God continues to pepper Job with questions, specifically asking if Job can manage the various celestial bodies and galaxies.
4). God rules over the clouds (vvs. 34-38) “Can you lift up your voice to the clouds”--God continues to push God to help him see that only God can control the storms of life or trials and sorrows.
3. Challenge: “If you can do better, have a try.” (40:2) “He who rebukes God, let him answer it.” Will the critic contend with the Almighty then? The first fall is about to be decided.
Illus: C.S. Lewis in Mere Christianity, “A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and of course, as long as you’re looking down, you can’t see something that’s above you.”
III. REPENTANCE BECAUSE OF GOD’S PLEA (42:6) “I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”-- What was the purpose of God’s rebuking response? By displaying His power and wisdom, God showed Job his ignorance and impatience. Job is going to be silent before God (40:3-5) but it does not reveal any readiness on his part to submit his stubborn will to God’s control.
1. Because of the unveiling of God’s glory
(38:1)--Job is made to see the glory of God’s working in His creation. He sees something of the splendor of God’s greatness. How we need that today!
2. Because of a realization of sinfulness
(40:3-4)--What was the purpose of God’s rebuking response? By displaying His power and wisdom, God showed Job his ignorance and impatience.
3. Because of a confidence in what God
can do (42:2)--due to His words and wisdom. He is unable to answer God’s challenge with his puny human mind. He is unable to grapple with the range of divine wisdom.
4. Because of a confession of wrong (42:3)—
This divine confrontation—the Bible’s longest recorded oration by God Himself—is in two parts (38:1-40:2 & 40:6-41:34) with Job’s response of humility (40:3-5) following the first part, & his response of repentance (42:1-6) after the second part.
5. Because of a new experience with God (42:5) (Personal--“I get the message!”)-- This divine discourse with its exuberant exaltation of God’s wonders in nature exceeds all other exclamations of His creative power. No wonder Job was silenced, humbled, and repentant! He came to realize that he was in need of a fresh encounter with God. Previously there is too much hearsay and not a vital experience with God (23:3-9).
Illus: He knows, He loves, He cares;
Nothing this truth can dim.
He does the very best for those
Who leave the choice with Him.
IV. RELIANCE BECAUSE OF GOD’S PRESENCE (42:5a) “Now mine eye seeth Thee…”--Note that Job’s submission is one of restraint of self and not a positive acceptance of God at first but this quickly changes. Though Job was dumbfounded by this barrage of questions from God, flunking both lengthy quizzes, he did meet God face to face. This reassured the complainer that God had not abandoned him after all.
1. Note a feeble restraint to God’s goodness (40-41, cf 40:3-5))--It is only with some difficulty that Job restrains the torrent of pain, frustrations and deep inward hurt that had been pouring out in his words.
God takes Job on a tour of nature and asks him question after question about Job’s ability to deal with this kind of thing or that kind of thing in nature. Gradually these three chapters draw the picture of a vastly complicated, intricately intertwined universe for which is required a tremendous superhuman mind to direct all these activities, to keep life in balance and to answer all the questions that the Lord is asking Job to answer.
God said, “Job, My whole universe is too much for you to handle. However, here are two of my best products that I have created (hippo 40:15 or behemoth & crocodile 41:1 Leviathan). These are samples of my work. What can you do with them? Can you coax them? Actually you are powerless against them. You don’t have power over them.”
2. Note a full response to God’s greatness (42:2ff.) “Yes, now I know that the God who made the mighty hippo and crocodile is a God of Great and mighty power. I opened my mouth and spoke too quickly.” The Message, You asked, ’Who is this muddying the water, ignorantly confusing the issue, second-guessing my purposes?’ I admit it. I was the one. I babbled on about things far beyond me, made small talk about wonders way over my head. You told me, ’Listen, and let me do the talking. Let me ask the questions. You give the answers.’ I admit I once lived by rumors of you; now I have it all firsthand--from my own eyes and ears! I’m sorry--forgive me. I’ll never do that again, I promise! I’ll never again live on crusts of hearsay, crumbs of rumor."
We sing, “We are standing on holy ground, and I know that there are angels all around. Let us praise Jesus now. We are standing in His presence on holy ground.”
CONCLUSION:
1. The book of Job points to the error of a proud and rebellious spirit.
2. God knows that Job will be the better for this experience.
3. Job learned that the Bible and tradition are good but that He needs more than this. He needed God Himself.
4. He never quit until he found God.
5. “If you ever encounter the living God in Christ, there won’t be an ounce of human pride, but a desire to live out one’s life in humble service to God.
Illus: Ken Trivette: I remember as a young preacher hearing a preacher ask a question that was like an arrow to my soul: "What is it about your life that cannot be explained in terms of the natural, but only the supernatural?" I’m afraid that in too many cases we naturally religious. We come to church with a stain-glass look on our faces and speak in funeral home tones. The preacher stands in the pulpit and intones, "dearly beloved" as if he just swallowed the communion table. It is like the description one gave:
They’re praising God on Sunday,
They will be all right on Monday,
Its just a little habit they’ve acquired.
Instead of being naturally supernatural and supernaturally natural, we are just naturally natural and natural naturally.
Prepared by: Gerald Steffy, 6206 N. Hamilton Rd.
Peoria, IL 61614, Phone: 309-691-3680,
(E-Mail grsteffy@yahoo.com
