Sermon 36, Job 9:23-28
Clearly the “other people problem” that I struggle with looms large on my mind as I read today’s sermon and took instruction on how to cope with that.
The sermon is centered around Job’s response to Bildad and his concern in these verses is partially about why wickedness happens (common theme) and who causes it? Calvin frequently uses the expression “confused state” to describe the world we currently live in.
As for who causes it Calvin pulls no punches. It’s God. He is in control of everything that happens. Deal with that.
So, on to the questions of why and what we should do.
There are several great arguments and helpful comments here, and even a prayer.
“…we need God to leave many sins unpunished.” Otherwise “we would think the last day has already arrived and there will be no more hope that our Lord Jesus Christ should gather us to himself.” This resonates as I feel like I need more time to be right with God.
“…he intends to show us that it is not our place to enter into his judgements.” A few sermons ago I joined the dots that the natural world is a great way for me to develop humility. Meditating on science and nature doesn’t put me “down” rather it lifts God up in my estimation. Not understanding God’s present judgements, I.e. not immediately punishing the wicked, afflicting the good, is also a tool for developing humility. My brain is feeble. God’s causes are much bigger and I can never understand them. I should just trust them. “We must not try to bring him [God] into line with our ordinary thinking, for he makes judgements we cannot comprehend.”
“God wants to put our faith and hope to the test so that we will look forward to our Lord Jesus Christ’s coming, when he will restore all things to their full perfection.” So, when things suck, use that to fuel a want for perfection.
So, regarding my OPP, there are at least three reasons I struggle with this. I need 1) time to improve, 2) to cause greater humility through my confusion/frustration, and 3) to realize it will all be better when Jesus returns.
What tools do I have or have to develop to deal with the OPP?
Stop being surprised that this world is confused and causes me trials. It’s completely messed up because of mine and others sins. “…let us not find it strange to see things in such a confused state here below…God is warning us of our sins.” Instead be prepared.
Yearn! “When we see that everything has been turned inside out this way, are we not to groan?”
Remember! “If we can remember the blessings we have received from God’s hand, we have an invaluable remedy to soften all our sorrows when we are afflicted.”
Remember! I am part of the problem. I’m hardly perfect. I need God’s grace more than many.
Here is an OPP prayer part 2 from this sermon:
“Well, God is afflicting me now. But look, I have received so much good from his hand, and he has shown that he has dealt bountifully with me. Did he not do that so I would continue to enjoy his mercy, trust in him, and take refuge in him?”
Lastly, and somewhat unrelated, there was mention of our earthly father in today’s sermon. As I write this it’s been 30 years to the day that my own father passed away. I miss him. He was a good dad. As I reflect on my relationship with him it is instructive for my relationship with God and that’s a blessing.