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GMBC3701

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I have another confession to make to you - an admission of my humanity. My humaness apparently and evidently get in the way of so many others' expectation of pastoral godliness in me. But I need you to know from the beginning that I am a bit irritated. I find myself to be increasingly so with not all people, but with people who are supposed to be of the faith. When you believe in God you are not granted a license to have things the way you want them to be. Yet and still, this is the behavior that we see and hear every day. It is made worse to see in these times because these times are difficult for us as a country and as a world community. But it is particularly hard for me because I am a Black man that serves a Black church full of Black people who should know that there is not much in the world that is fair or equitable - not because of God - but because of the evils that men do. God hates a false balance and an unjust measure. We any seeks advantage over another, that is what God hates. And yet the world is unjust and unbalanced. As the events in the book of Job took place before the advent of Christ or the giving of the law with promises to Israel, I chose this text to show you the raw and unfiltered reality of deliverance's expectation without a blessed reception. Job knew the unfairness of living and someone needs to know today that as long as you live on this earth, there are no guarantees that you will find your answers to your questions.
Job was faithful. Job was respected. Job was a leader. Job had his wealth stolen, his children killed, his body broken, his wife to check out on him, the public to laugh at him, and his friends to blame him. And in the garbage dump he made his complaint to God. Have any of you, through the injustices, unfairness, sickness, poverty, loneliness, and bitterness of life begun to ask God why? Have you had to suffer not getting an answer? But are you owed an explanation?
8 Oh that I might have my request; and that God would grant me the thing that I long for!
9 Even that it would please God to destroy me; that he would let loose his hand, and cut me off!
10 Then should I yet have comfort; yea, I would harden myself in sorrow: let him not spare; for I have not concealed the words of the Holy One.
Job, because of the incomprehension of his circumstances, would have rather just died than deal with them. Many others in our time feel the same way. But our faithfulness is no shield against hardship and the complications of unanswered whys are no excuse to check out. Job was not being tested by God. It was not a test. It was a demonstration. God knew what was in Job. God wanted Satan and everyone else to know also. No answer was given for what Job wanted. No answer for why. No answer for when. No answers. Just questions. But perhaps the answers are not for God to give. Maybe the answers are contained in the very questions you ask:
11 What is my strength, that I should hope? and what is mine end, that I should prolong my life?
12 Is my strength the strength of stones? or is my flesh of brass?
13 Is not my help in me? and is wisdom driven quite from me?
The text suggests that the answers may indeed lie within the questions.
1. Forsake The Strength Of Self v13
- Those of us who fancy ourselves to be smart and self-sufficient can become deluded with the idea that we can always work it out. But none of us are smart or wise enough to figure out everything on our own. We don't always have the answers for ourselves. But maybe we can find ourselves to be the help for others. You & your strength are not always the answers for your questions because you can do everything right and have things go wrong. Forsake the strength of self.
2. Forget The Strength Of Stuff v12
- Stones and brass are hard, durable, and weapons of war. But they are ineffectual for every fight. If you could find the answers for all problems in stuff, having stuff would prevent the oresence of problems! Things cannot guarantee happiness and only can be used to provide comfort in your misery. But stuff will not ever be your answer. Forget the strength of stuff!
3. Find Strength In The Savior vv10b-11
- Job spoke of God and then immediately thought of where else to turn. Too many of us speak of God and forget Him in the next breath! Ultimately, the answers lie in God. Even if you don't get your questions answered, stick with the Savior. This sovereign God who knows all things already knows you and all that would come to you. Your Savior - God - knows the answer, has the answer, and is the answer even if He never tells you! His strength is real strength that cannot be defeated. And if you are in His side, having found His strength, you may find that you don't need what you thought you needed! Find your strength in God!