Sermon 52, Job 13:23-28
The repeated importance in Calvin’s sermons of humility is obvious and remains to me profound. Calvin is also a big advocate of controlling emotions and being silent. As an example, in today’s sermon on Job’s desired lawsuit with God, he writes “It is a good lesson when we are humbled and our mouths are stopped and our minds are restrained and bridled so that we do not express displeasure with God.”
Calvin here is talking about how, when we don’t understand our lives, we have a tendency to get anxious, angry even. In my case this is true. And the lesson of being humble and silent and patient is one which, I think, speaks to my perception of time. I have to get better at playing a longer game. Already today, implementing a new schedule, I feel very rushed. And yet, if I really take stock, I have plenty of time. I just need to use it better and more importantly I have to perceive it better. Be humble, be patient and don’t get over excited by anything.
Secondly, and lastly, Calvin believes so strongly in the truthfulness of scripture and, I believe, he challenges himself and us to always read the Bible with one eye on how it will better reveal our sins to ourselves. I think it’s almost something he wants us to do, read the Bible and find your sins. “As a consequence, we cannot open holy Scripture without finding on every page some condemnation or other.” I think this is the primary way scripture guides us.
With the semester beginning, I will have to make adjustments to my schedule. I pray that God will guide me according to his will to successfully make these adjustments so that I may productively serve him better.