WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.259 gets no answer. Instead, he has three friends, or so-called friends, who over the course of about 00:00:06.259 --> 00:00:13.780 25 chapters give him all kinds of wrong advice. Mostly they say it's because of your sin that 00:00:13.780 --> 00:00:20.600 you're suffering, which is absolutely wrong. Job was innocent, so they have no answer. 00:00:21.660 --> 00:00:26.280 And in the section we're going to look at today, there's another friend by the name of Elihu, 00:00:26.280 --> 00:00:34.020 who has some helpful things to say, but he's not entirely correct either. But they are helpful 00:00:34.020 --> 00:00:40.620 nonetheless. So turn to Job 32, we'll pray, and then we'll get stuck in. 00:00:44.400 --> 00:00:53.240 Father, our desire is that we would hear you speak to us through your word, through a very old book 00:00:53.240 --> 00:01:01.240 such as Job. But yet it speaks with absolute relevance to us today, as we face suffering, 00:01:01.600 --> 00:01:10.480 as we encounter it. We need your help. We need the power of your Holy Spirit to speak into our lives, 00:01:10.599 --> 00:01:21.120 to bring your words to life, to bring your comfort, and to bring your hope. We ask it in Jesus' name. 00:01:21.120 --> 00:01:33.120 Amen. Well, I'm going to start with a question. And it's simply this. If I were God, I would... 00:01:34.640 --> 00:01:47.580 dot, dot, dot. You fill in the blank. If I were God, I would end all the pain? Get rid of world poverty? 00:01:47.579 --> 00:01:58.560 If I were God, I would correct all injustice? Stop innocent people from suffering? 00:02:01.560 --> 00:02:11.599 Stop the Titanic from sinking? What would you do? Well, here's Job's problem. He recognises that God 00:02:11.599 --> 00:02:19.859 is God is God, that God is the creator and the sustainer of this entire universe. Job knows that 00:02:19.859 --> 00:02:28.699 God has absolute power and supreme authority, but yet it seems that God is doing nothing to stop 00:02:28.699 --> 00:02:36.340 all the suffering. In fact, Job has reached the conclusion that God is unfair and unjust. 00:02:36.340 --> 00:02:41.960 Let me just read to you some of the comments he makes earlier on. He says, 00:02:42.039 --> 00:02:50.840 As surely as God lives, who has denied me justice, the Almighty who has made me taste bitterness of soul, 00:02:51.860 --> 00:03:00.379 I will never admit that you are in the right till I die. I will not deny my integrity. 00:03:00.379 --> 00:03:13.620 In other words, God is on trial. If it were up to Job, Job would have God resign from his position, 00:03:14.139 --> 00:03:20.680 and he would give the control of the world to somebody else who could run it much better. 00:03:20.680 --> 00:03:29.319 And I don't think we're any different. We experience and we encounter suffering in all kinds of different ways, 00:03:29.480 --> 00:03:40.920 and we say that if I were God, I would never do that. If I were God, I would not let innocent people suffer. 00:03:40.919 --> 00:03:50.699 So is God guilty? Is it true that God is unjust and unfair? 00:03:53.299 --> 00:03:58.619 Well, before God actually answers Job, and that's what we'll be looking at next week, 00:03:58.699 --> 00:04:07.019 it's an exciting section of the book, another of Job's friends is introduced to us in chapter 32, 00:04:07.020 --> 00:04:10.780 verse 2, verse 2, let's read there. 00:04:12.439 --> 00:04:18.819 But Elihu, son of Barachel, the Buzite of the family of Ram, so he's a man of some standing, 00:04:19.680 --> 00:04:24.600 became very angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God. 00:04:25.759 --> 00:04:32.100 Now Elihu is angry with Job because in Job's claim to be innocent and blameless, 00:04:33.180 --> 00:04:35.480 Job is accusing God of being guilty. 00:04:35.480 --> 00:04:44.920 Job is not just putting God on trial, he is charging God with gross negligence and injustice. 00:04:46.740 --> 00:04:52.740 Now that's a serious accusation against the Creator and the ruler of the world. 00:04:53.920 --> 00:04:56.960 So is Job right in what he is saying? 00:04:56.959 --> 00:05:07.279 Well, from chapters 33 through to 37, Elihu responds with wise counsel to Job's charges against God. 00:05:08.219 --> 00:05:14.819 And although Elihu is angry, he's not like the other three friends because he speaks with love, 00:05:15.479 --> 00:05:17.319 understanding and compassion. 00:05:17.319 --> 00:05:25.279 But now, Job, listen to my words. 00:05:26.439 --> 00:05:28.959 Pay attention to everything I say. 00:05:29.959 --> 00:05:32.079 I'm about to open my mouth. 00:05:32.259 --> 00:05:34.219 My words are on the tip of my tongue. 00:05:35.120 --> 00:05:37.680 My words come from an upright heart. 00:05:38.800 --> 00:05:41.219 My lips sincerely speak what I know. 00:05:41.220 --> 00:05:54.780 So they are wise, they are comforting words. 00:05:54.940 --> 00:05:57.520 So let's listen to what he has to say. 00:05:59.220 --> 00:06:05.380 First, Job's first charge is this, that God does not listen. 00:06:05.379 --> 00:06:11.480 Elihu summarizes Job's issue with God in chapter 33, verse 8. 00:06:12.339 --> 00:06:14.560 So here's Elihu speaking to Job. 00:06:14.659 --> 00:06:15.040 He says, 00:06:15.159 --> 00:06:17.980 But you have said in my hearing, 00:06:18.600 --> 00:06:20.839 I heard your very words, Job. 00:06:22.000 --> 00:06:23.699 And he quotes Job, verse 9. 00:06:23.899 --> 00:06:26.339 I am pure and without sin. 00:06:26.779 --> 00:06:29.379 I am clean and free from guilt. 00:06:30.459 --> 00:06:32.540 Yet God has found fault with me. 00:06:32.639 --> 00:06:34.500 He considers me his enemy. 00:06:35.379 --> 00:06:38.180 Now, Job is claiming his innocence. 00:06:38.420 --> 00:06:42.500 He has proved his blameless life all the way through chapter 31. 00:06:42.839 --> 00:06:44.860 But it seems that God has not listened. 00:06:45.180 --> 00:06:47.439 Job is still being seen as an enemy. 00:06:49.500 --> 00:06:51.139 Well, God does listen. 00:06:51.519 --> 00:06:54.899 And in response, he does speak, verse 13. 00:06:56.079 --> 00:06:57.279 Elihu says to Job, 00:06:57.279 --> 00:07:03.360 Why do you complain to God that he answers none of man's words? 00:07:03.360 --> 00:07:06.480 For God does speak, 00:07:06.900 --> 00:07:09.100 Now one way and now another, 00:07:09.280 --> 00:07:11.259 Though man may not perceive it. 00:07:11.960 --> 00:07:15.040 The reality is God does hear all of our complaints, 00:07:15.220 --> 00:07:17.340 And in response, he does speak to us. 00:07:17.639 --> 00:07:19.060 He speaks, verse 15, 00:07:19.160 --> 00:07:21.120 In a dream, in a vision of the night, 00:07:21.439 --> 00:07:23.319 When deep sleep falls on men, 00:07:23.379 --> 00:07:24.879 And they slumber in their beds. 00:07:24.879 --> 00:07:28.079 Sometimes, though, 00:07:29.079 --> 00:07:32.339 God speaks even through our suffering. 00:07:32.959 --> 00:07:34.079 Verse 19, 00:07:35.680 --> 00:07:38.420 Or a man may be chastened on a bed of pain 00:07:38.420 --> 00:07:41.139 With constant distress in his bones. 00:07:41.980 --> 00:07:43.040 Verse 21, 00:07:43.279 --> 00:07:45.759 So his flesh wastes away to nothing, 00:07:45.879 --> 00:07:47.180 And his bones once hidden, 00:07:47.399 --> 00:07:48.420 Now stick out, 00:07:48.480 --> 00:07:50.100 His soul draws near to the pit, 00:07:50.360 --> 00:07:52.459 And his life to the messengers of death. 00:07:52.459 --> 00:07:55.819 Sometimes, he's saying, 00:07:55.919 --> 00:07:58.539 God speaks to us through our suffering. 00:07:59.899 --> 00:08:01.959 And if that's how he chooses to speak, 00:08:02.039 --> 00:08:03.060 How should we respond? 00:08:03.819 --> 00:08:04.919 Verse 26, 00:08:06.919 --> 00:08:08.740 The man who is suffering, 00:08:08.899 --> 00:08:10.579 He says he prays to God, 00:08:10.639 --> 00:08:12.000 And he finds favour with him. 00:08:12.060 --> 00:08:13.279 He sees God's face, 00:08:13.319 --> 00:08:14.459 And he shouts for joy. 00:08:14.939 --> 00:08:18.219 He's restored by God to his righteous state. 00:08:18.220 --> 00:08:20.720 Then he comes to men, 00:08:20.760 --> 00:08:21.240 And he says, 00:08:21.320 --> 00:08:21.720 You know what? 00:08:21.740 --> 00:08:22.840 I have sinned, 00:08:23.400 --> 00:08:24.960 And perverted what was right. 00:08:25.720 --> 00:08:27.980 But I did not get what I deserved. 00:08:28.340 --> 00:08:31.200 He redeemed my soul from going down to the pit, 00:08:31.480 --> 00:08:34.399 And I shall live to enjoy the light. 00:08:37.820 --> 00:08:38.759 C.S. Lewis, 00:08:38.960 --> 00:08:42.040 Most famous for his series of Narnia, 00:08:42.740 --> 00:08:45.139 Also wrote a book called The Problem of Pain. 00:08:45.139 --> 00:08:51.139 And here he comments on God speaking to us through suffering. 00:08:51.720 --> 00:08:53.299 This is what he says from his book. 00:08:54.000 --> 00:08:54.399 He says, 00:08:54.460 --> 00:08:57.419 We can rest contentedly in our sins, 00:08:58.080 --> 00:09:02.340 But pain insists upon being attended to. 00:09:03.399 --> 00:09:05.679 God whispers to us in our pleasures, 00:09:06.480 --> 00:09:08.840 He speaks in our conscience, 00:09:09.659 --> 00:09:13.019 But shouts in our pains. 00:09:13.019 --> 00:09:17.860 It is God's megaphone to rouse a deaf world. 00:09:19.559 --> 00:09:22.519 Sometimes God speaks through our suffering 00:09:22.519 --> 00:09:25.360 To bring about repentance and restoration. 00:09:25.939 --> 00:09:27.860 Sometimes that is true. 00:09:28.639 --> 00:09:31.379 Sometimes our pain is God speaking to us 00:09:31.379 --> 00:09:33.579 To awaken us to our sinful behaviour 00:09:33.579 --> 00:09:35.500 And to put things right. 00:09:35.500 --> 00:09:38.600 So God does hear. 00:09:39.600 --> 00:09:40.659 God does listen. 00:09:42.039 --> 00:09:43.419 And God does speak. 00:09:45.279 --> 00:09:47.759 But the problem with this is that 00:09:47.759 --> 00:09:51.019 This is not an answer for Job, 00:09:51.159 --> 00:09:54.980 Because Job is blameless and innocent. 00:09:54.980 --> 00:09:58.680 Job is suffering because, 00:09:59.200 --> 00:10:00.019 Well, we don't know, 00:10:00.100 --> 00:10:01.639 It's not because of sin. 00:10:03.139 --> 00:10:07.100 So God is still definitely on trial. 00:10:09.100 --> 00:10:11.139 Job's second charge is this, 00:10:12.360 --> 00:10:15.279 That God is unfair or unjust. 00:10:15.279 --> 00:10:17.720 In chapter 34, 00:10:18.959 --> 00:10:22.480 Elihu summarises again Job's problem with God, 00:10:22.559 --> 00:10:23.299 Verse 5. 00:10:24.720 --> 00:10:25.559 Job says, 00:10:26.360 --> 00:10:27.100 I am innocent, 00:10:27.339 --> 00:10:29.019 But God denies me justice. 00:10:29.779 --> 00:10:31.079 Although I am right, 00:10:31.659 --> 00:10:32.899 I am considered a liar. 00:10:33.439 --> 00:10:34.779 Although I am guiltless, 00:10:35.199 --> 00:10:38.139 His arrow inflicts an incurable wound. 00:10:38.139 --> 00:10:41.639 Job has proven his innocence. 00:10:42.500 --> 00:10:44.879 He has been just and fair with people. 00:10:45.419 --> 00:10:46.539 But God, it seems, 00:10:46.639 --> 00:10:49.019 Is unjust and unfair. 00:10:50.919 --> 00:10:53.220 It reminded me of a little book I was reading 00:10:53.220 --> 00:10:55.080 By Elie Wiesel. 00:10:55.840 --> 00:10:57.220 Quoted it before. 00:10:57.519 --> 00:10:58.720 A young teenager, 00:10:59.319 --> 00:11:02.500 He endured the brutality of Auschwitz, 00:11:02.639 --> 00:11:04.120 The concentration camps. 00:11:05.319 --> 00:11:06.879 As a young boy of 14, 00:11:06.879 --> 00:11:08.620 He watched his mother and sister 00:11:08.620 --> 00:11:10.580 Being taken off to the crematorium 00:11:10.580 --> 00:11:11.779 To be burned. 00:11:12.000 --> 00:11:14.100 He stood by as his father 00:11:14.100 --> 00:11:15.939 Was helplessly being beaten. 00:11:17.779 --> 00:11:20.200 And as he looked out on all of this suffering, 00:11:21.299 --> 00:11:23.980 As a devout Jewish boy, 00:11:24.179 --> 00:11:25.100 This is what he said, 00:11:25.240 --> 00:11:27.139 Some men spoke of God, 00:11:27.899 --> 00:11:29.460 His mysterious ways, 00:11:29.559 --> 00:11:31.100 The sins of the Jewish people, 00:11:31.100 --> 00:11:32.779 The redemption to come. 00:11:33.919 --> 00:11:34.899 As for me, 00:11:34.899 --> 00:11:37.019 I had ceased to pray. 00:11:38.079 --> 00:11:40.279 I concurred with Job. 00:11:41.059 --> 00:11:43.340 I was not denying God's existence, 00:11:44.120 --> 00:11:47.959 But I doubted his absolute justice. 00:11:47.960 --> 00:11:54.660 We all think God is unfair and unjust at times. 00:11:55.700 --> 00:11:56.879 But, says Elie Hugh, 00:11:57.759 --> 00:11:59.100 God is fair. 00:11:59.759 --> 00:12:01.139 God is just. 00:12:02.139 --> 00:12:03.940 Chapter 34, verse 10. 00:12:05.080 --> 00:12:06.379 So listen to me, 00:12:07.340 --> 00:12:09.080 You people of understanding. 00:12:10.220 --> 00:12:12.360 Far be it from God to do evil, 00:12:12.360 --> 00:12:15.320 From the Almighty to do wrong. 00:12:16.000 --> 00:12:18.159 He repays a man for what he has done. 00:12:18.259 --> 00:12:20.779 He brings upon him what his conduct deserves. 00:12:21.300 --> 00:12:23.800 It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, 00:12:24.220 --> 00:12:26.639 That the Almighty would pervert justice. 00:12:26.639 --> 00:12:32.340 And in case you think God is blind to how he deals with people, 00:12:32.819 --> 00:12:33.860 Look at verse 18. 00:12:35.299 --> 00:12:37.159 Is he not the one who says to kings, 00:12:37.539 --> 00:12:38.299 You are worthless, 00:12:39.080 --> 00:12:40.100 And to nobles, 00:12:40.279 --> 00:12:40.899 You are wicked? 00:12:41.319 --> 00:12:44.220 He shows no partiality to princes, 00:12:44.439 --> 00:12:47.819 And does not favour the rich over the poor. 00:12:48.480 --> 00:12:50.460 For they are all the work of his hands. 00:12:51.700 --> 00:12:52.559 Verse 21, 00:12:52.559 --> 00:12:54.559 His eyes are on the ways of men. 00:12:54.919 --> 00:12:56.579 He sees their every step. 00:12:56.939 --> 00:12:58.399 There is no dark place, 00:12:58.699 --> 00:13:01.500 No deep shadow where evildoers can hide. 00:13:03.299 --> 00:13:05.819 God is just and fair. 00:13:05.959 --> 00:13:07.819 He sees everything that happens, 00:13:08.500 --> 00:13:11.039 And it does not go unnoticed. 00:13:12.899 --> 00:13:14.319 In fact, the truth is, 00:13:14.419 --> 00:13:16.099 God is not only fair, 00:13:17.019 --> 00:13:19.319 He treats us with grace and mercy. 00:13:19.319 --> 00:13:20.539 Verse 31, 00:13:20.539 --> 00:13:24.679 Suppose a man says to God, 00:13:25.599 --> 00:13:27.379 I am guilty, 00:13:28.919 --> 00:13:30.419 But will offend no more. 00:13:30.860 --> 00:13:32.419 Teach me what I cannot see. 00:13:32.599 --> 00:13:34.099 If I have done anything wrong, 00:13:34.500 --> 00:13:36.259 I will not do so again. 00:13:38.259 --> 00:13:39.599 Have you ever said anything like that? 00:13:39.980 --> 00:13:41.339 I promise you God, 00:13:41.399 --> 00:13:42.959 That I am never going to do that again. 00:13:43.699 --> 00:13:44.360 This time, 00:13:44.500 --> 00:13:45.959 I am going to change my attitude. 00:13:46.079 --> 00:13:46.740 It won't happen. 00:13:46.740 --> 00:13:47.559 I promise. 00:13:49.039 --> 00:13:50.099 Verse 33, 00:13:50.539 --> 00:13:54.360 Should God then reward you on your terms 00:13:54.360 --> 00:13:55.879 When you refuse to repent? 00:13:57.539 --> 00:13:58.079 You see, 00:13:58.159 --> 00:14:00.620 Even though we make promises to be better people, 00:14:01.139 --> 00:14:03.459 We all know that the next day 00:14:03.459 --> 00:14:05.099 We'll fail and fall and mess up 00:14:05.099 --> 00:14:06.899 In exactly the same place again. 00:14:07.699 --> 00:14:10.519 But yet God does not give us what we deserve. 00:14:11.659 --> 00:14:13.819 He does not give us the reward, 00:14:13.819 --> 00:14:14.679 Verse 33, 00:14:14.919 --> 00:14:16.139 Of our sin. 00:14:16.139 --> 00:14:20.319 That's how just and fair God is. 00:14:23.460 --> 00:14:24.840 Well, that is true, 00:14:25.100 --> 00:14:28.460 But Job is still wondering, 00:14:28.580 --> 00:14:29.779 And we're still wondering, 00:14:29.779 --> 00:14:33.319 Why we can't see God's justice in action, 00:14:34.159 --> 00:14:36.259 In the ways that we would expect. 00:14:36.259 --> 00:14:38.799 So for Job, 00:14:38.879 --> 00:14:40.319 That still isn't an answer. 00:14:40.700 --> 00:14:42.139 God is still on trial. 00:14:44.279 --> 00:14:46.360 Job's third charge is this. 00:14:47.379 --> 00:14:49.600 He claims that God is a hypocrite. 00:14:51.840 --> 00:14:55.419 Elihu again summarises Job's accusation against God 00:14:55.419 --> 00:14:56.679 In chapter 35, 00:14:57.679 --> 00:14:59.659 At the beginning, verse 1, 00:14:59.659 --> 00:15:00.899 Then Elihu said, 00:15:01.719 --> 00:15:04.139 Do you think this is just? 00:15:04.719 --> 00:15:05.279 You say, 00:15:05.379 --> 00:15:06.939 I shall be cleared by God. 00:15:08.480 --> 00:15:09.779 Yet you ask him, 00:15:10.199 --> 00:15:12.259 What profit is it to me? 00:15:12.699 --> 00:15:14.699 And what do I gain by not sinning? 00:15:16.699 --> 00:15:18.740 In effect, Job has been saying, 00:15:19.179 --> 00:15:21.419 What's the point of following God? 00:15:21.879 --> 00:15:24.519 What's the point in me living a good life 00:15:24.519 --> 00:15:25.839 If all I do is suffer? 00:15:25.840 --> 00:15:29.680 You don't seem to be very good at times, 00:15:29.820 --> 00:15:30.740 So why should I? 00:15:32.560 --> 00:15:34.240 It's like God is a hypocrite. 00:15:34.379 --> 00:15:37.120 He expects us to be just and fair 00:15:37.120 --> 00:15:38.360 In our dealings with people, 00:15:38.500 --> 00:15:41.500 But it seems that God is absolutely free 00:15:41.500 --> 00:15:42.780 To do what he likes. 00:15:43.000 --> 00:15:44.240 That is not fair. 00:15:44.680 --> 00:15:46.160 God, you're a hypocrite. 00:15:49.019 --> 00:15:50.220 But, says Elihu, 00:15:50.300 --> 00:15:51.139 God is right. 00:15:53.120 --> 00:15:54.360 Look at verse 5. 00:15:55.840 --> 00:15:58.200 Look up to the heavens and see. 00:15:59.480 --> 00:16:01.080 Gaze at those clouds 00:16:01.080 --> 00:16:03.840 That are so high above you. 00:16:04.680 --> 00:16:05.240 In other words, 00:16:05.340 --> 00:16:07.440 God is way beyond you. 00:16:08.519 --> 00:16:09.800 If you were to sin, 00:16:10.700 --> 00:16:12.019 How does that affect him? 00:16:13.480 --> 00:16:15.120 Even if your sins are many, 00:16:16.100 --> 00:16:17.160 What does that do to him? 00:16:17.220 --> 00:16:18.000 Does it change him? 00:16:19.660 --> 00:16:21.120 Or what if you're righteous? 00:16:21.259 --> 00:16:22.500 What if you do good things? 00:16:23.720 --> 00:16:24.940 What do you give him? 00:16:25.840 --> 00:16:29.100 Or what does he receive from your hand 00:16:29.100 --> 00:16:30.940 When you're a good person? 00:16:32.740 --> 00:16:35.340 You see, God, who is so above us, 00:16:35.420 --> 00:16:36.879 Does not respond to us 00:16:36.879 --> 00:16:38.320 According to our performance. 00:16:39.040 --> 00:16:41.759 God is not changed by how good 00:16:41.759 --> 00:16:43.120 Or how bad we are. 00:16:44.019 --> 00:16:46.200 No, we must never judge God 00:16:46.200 --> 00:16:48.040 On the basis of what we do 00:16:48.040 --> 00:16:50.600 Or do not receive from God. 00:16:50.600 --> 00:16:53.460 God acts in our lives 00:16:53.460 --> 00:16:55.320 Because God is right. 00:16:56.560 --> 00:16:59.379 In fact, if anyone is hypocritical, 00:17:00.100 --> 00:17:01.440 It's us. 00:17:02.279 --> 00:17:03.120 Verse 9 00:17:03.120 --> 00:17:07.059 People cry out under a load of oppression. 00:17:07.579 --> 00:17:08.980 They plead for relief 00:17:08.980 --> 00:17:10.640 From the arm of the powerful. 00:17:11.640 --> 00:17:13.140 I think we can identify with that, 00:17:13.240 --> 00:17:13.480 Can't we? 00:17:13.519 --> 00:17:15.980 There's plenty of emergency prayers 00:17:15.980 --> 00:17:17.039 That go off to God 00:17:17.039 --> 00:17:17.779 When we're suffering. 00:17:17.779 --> 00:17:20.000 Please, Lord, end this suffering. 00:17:20.220 --> 00:17:21.259 Please heal this. 00:17:21.420 --> 00:17:22.399 Please stop this. 00:17:22.720 --> 00:17:23.579 Do this now. 00:17:25.079 --> 00:17:26.079 Verse 35 00:17:26.079 --> 00:17:28.660 Or sorry, verse 11 00:17:28.660 --> 00:17:34.180 I'm sorry, back to verse 10 00:17:34.180 --> 00:17:36.740 But no one says, 00:17:37.460 --> 00:17:39.100 Where is God, my maker, 00:17:39.960 --> 00:17:41.440 Who gives songs in the night, 00:17:41.600 --> 00:17:42.900 Who teaches more to us 00:17:42.900 --> 00:17:44.360 Than to the beasts of the earth, 00:17:44.779 --> 00:17:45.860 And makes us wiser 00:17:45.860 --> 00:17:47.180 Than the birds of the air? 00:17:48.180 --> 00:17:49.100 In other words, 00:17:49.480 --> 00:17:51.460 It's us who ask God for help. 00:17:51.580 --> 00:17:53.700 We cry out those emergency prayers, 00:17:53.700 --> 00:17:54.960 Come and do something. 00:17:56.019 --> 00:17:57.920 But then we just quickly forget him. 00:17:58.060 --> 00:17:58.960 We ignore him 00:17:58.960 --> 00:18:00.299 With the rest of our lives. 00:18:00.299 --> 00:18:03.379 So is it any wonder 00:18:03.379 --> 00:18:05.599 That people feel hard done by God? 00:18:05.680 --> 00:18:06.519 Verse 13 00:18:06.519 --> 00:18:08.379 Indeed, God doesn't listen 00:18:08.379 --> 00:18:09.599 To their empty plea. 00:18:10.700 --> 00:18:12.859 The Almighty pays no attention to it. 00:18:15.159 --> 00:18:16.680 So God is right 00:18:16.680 --> 00:18:18.919 In how he acts and responds. 00:18:20.259 --> 00:18:23.099 But, again, it's another big but, 00:18:23.259 --> 00:18:24.879 Job is not like that. 00:18:24.980 --> 00:18:26.200 And this is our problem. 00:18:26.759 --> 00:18:28.659 Job does not ignore God. 00:18:28.660 --> 00:18:30.580 He does cry out to God, 00:18:30.660 --> 00:18:32.279 But he certainly doesn't ignore him. 00:18:32.700 --> 00:18:34.779 He consistently maintains 00:18:34.779 --> 00:18:37.279 His trust in God. 00:18:40.300 --> 00:18:42.160 So he's still not satisfied 00:18:42.160 --> 00:18:43.340 With the answer. 00:18:43.920 --> 00:18:45.940 God is still on trial. 00:18:48.800 --> 00:18:49.920 Job's fourth charge 00:18:49.920 --> 00:18:52.320 Is perhaps the strongest of them all. 00:18:53.500 --> 00:18:56.300 That God is not in control. 00:18:56.299 --> 00:19:01.059 Now, although in chapters 36 to 37 00:19:01.059 --> 00:19:03.700 There's no actual quote from Job, 00:19:04.740 --> 00:19:06.639 Elihu's answer in these two chapters 00:19:06.639 --> 00:19:08.059 Seem to suggest that 00:19:08.059 --> 00:19:10.720 This is Job's claim against God. 00:19:11.960 --> 00:19:13.099 Up to this point, 00:19:13.240 --> 00:19:15.559 All the evidence is pointing to the fact 00:19:15.559 --> 00:19:17.779 That God is not in control of this universe. 00:19:17.980 --> 00:19:20.000 There's too many bad things that happen, 00:19:20.299 --> 00:19:21.559 Too much that goes wrong 00:19:21.559 --> 00:19:23.119 To say that God is in charge. 00:19:23.119 --> 00:19:27.039 But Elihu will not let us go there. 00:19:27.159 --> 00:19:30.559 Verse 22 of chapter 36 00:19:30.559 --> 00:19:37.919 God is exalted in his power. 00:19:39.599 --> 00:19:41.779 Who is a teacher like him? 00:19:43.119 --> 00:19:44.139 Verse 26 00:19:44.140 --> 00:19:48.660 How great is God beyond our understanding? 00:19:50.020 --> 00:19:53.600 The number of his years is past finding out. 00:19:55.240 --> 00:19:56.960 Just consider for a moment 00:19:56.960 --> 00:19:59.259 How God controls the weather systems. 00:20:00.380 --> 00:20:02.540 And we know all about this in this country, 00:20:02.660 --> 00:20:03.020 Don't we? 00:20:03.080 --> 00:20:03.900 Verse 27 00:20:03.900 --> 00:20:06.180 He draws up the drops of water 00:20:06.180 --> 00:20:09.720 Which distill as rain to the streams. 00:20:09.720 --> 00:20:13.480 The clouds pour down their moisture 00:20:13.480 --> 00:20:17.079 And abundant showers fall on mankind. 00:20:18.079 --> 00:20:21.100 Who can understand how he spreads out the clouds? 00:20:21.720 --> 00:20:23.680 How he thunders from his pavilion? 00:20:25.680 --> 00:20:30.240 If you think that God is not in control of the world he made, 00:20:30.240 --> 00:20:34.039 Look at verse 5 of 37. 00:20:35.579 --> 00:20:37.579 Chapter 37, verse 5 00:20:37.579 --> 00:20:44.039 God's voice thunders in marvellous ways. 00:20:45.159 --> 00:20:47.859 He does great things beyond our understanding. 00:20:49.199 --> 00:20:50.439 He says to the snow, 00:20:51.339 --> 00:20:52.519 Fall on the earth. 00:20:53.839 --> 00:20:54.980 And to the rain shower, 00:20:55.619 --> 00:20:57.199 Be a mighty downpour. 00:20:58.960 --> 00:21:02.319 So that all men he has made may know his work. 00:21:02.879 --> 00:21:04.939 He stops every man from his labour. 00:21:04.940 --> 00:21:07.360 The animals take cover. 00:21:07.500 --> 00:21:08.740 They remain in their dens. 00:21:09.539 --> 00:21:11.840 The tempest comes out from its chamber. 00:21:12.440 --> 00:21:14.580 The cold from the driving winds. 00:21:15.600 --> 00:21:17.759 The breath of God produces ice. 00:21:18.820 --> 00:21:20.259 And icebergs. 00:21:21.160 --> 00:21:23.420 And the broad waters become frozen. 00:21:24.840 --> 00:21:27.100 He loads the clouds with moistures. 00:21:27.400 --> 00:21:29.519 He scatters his lightning through them. 00:21:29.519 --> 00:21:33.779 At his direction they swirl around over the face of the whole earth. 00:21:33.779 --> 00:21:37.259 To do whatever he commands them. 00:21:38.240 --> 00:21:40.660 He brings the clouds to punish men. 00:21:41.559 --> 00:21:43.220 Or to water his earth. 00:21:43.859 --> 00:21:45.079 And show his love. 00:21:45.079 --> 00:21:52.879 We need to see that we do not hold the world together. 00:21:54.159 --> 00:21:57.199 We do not make things happen. 00:21:58.480 --> 00:22:01.579 God remains not only the creator of the world, 00:22:02.099 --> 00:22:06.000 but also the one who is in control of this world. 00:22:06.000 --> 00:22:13.119 We may discuss with each other over tea and coffee, 00:22:13.319 --> 00:22:14.079 if I were God, 00:22:14.460 --> 00:22:16.279 I would do this. 00:22:17.680 --> 00:22:20.380 We might dream as we lay in our beds at night, 00:22:20.460 --> 00:22:21.259 if I were God, 00:22:21.339 --> 00:22:22.500 I would do that. 00:22:25.500 --> 00:22:26.759 In the bad days, 00:22:26.819 --> 00:22:28.380 we might even, like Job, 00:22:28.460 --> 00:22:29.839 have God in trial 00:22:29.839 --> 00:22:31.059 and put him in the dock 00:22:31.059 --> 00:22:32.799 and throw our questions at him. 00:22:33.980 --> 00:22:35.220 But the reality is, 00:22:35.279 --> 00:22:36.119 we are not God. 00:22:37.480 --> 00:22:40.099 His ways and his work is beyond us. 00:22:41.379 --> 00:22:43.500 Chapter 37, verse 23. 00:22:43.500 --> 00:22:50.819 The Almighty is beyond our reach 00:22:50.819 --> 00:22:54.039 and exalted in power, 00:22:54.380 --> 00:22:55.359 in his justice, 00:22:56.359 --> 00:22:58.140 and great righteousness. 00:22:58.759 --> 00:22:59.940 He does not oppress. 00:23:01.660 --> 00:23:03.319 Therefore people revere him, 00:23:03.680 --> 00:23:05.740 for does he not have regard 00:23:05.740 --> 00:23:07.259 for all the wise in heart? 00:23:07.259 --> 00:23:12.879 Understanding God is beyond our reach. 00:23:15.119 --> 00:23:16.359 But thankfully, 00:23:17.400 --> 00:23:19.980 we are not beyond his reach. 00:23:21.519 --> 00:23:23.839 While we don't know God's ways, 00:23:25.039 --> 00:23:26.779 he knows our ways. 00:23:28.379 --> 00:23:30.519 He knows about our life intimately. 00:23:31.440 --> 00:23:35.140 For God reached down to us. 00:23:35.140 --> 00:23:38.520 God entered into our suffering world. 00:23:38.900 --> 00:23:40.259 He came into a world 00:23:40.259 --> 00:23:42.200 where he himself 00:23:42.200 --> 00:23:44.600 experienced injustice. 00:23:45.880 --> 00:23:48.320 God in Christ came into a world 00:23:48.320 --> 00:23:51.140 where he encountered unfairness. 00:23:54.220 --> 00:23:56.600 Have a look at 1 Peter, chapter 2. 00:24:00.300 --> 00:24:01.800 I've got a page number. 00:24:02.000 --> 00:24:02.740 I don't know if it's there. 00:24:03.640 --> 00:24:04.900 If you've got a page number, someone. 00:24:05.140 --> 00:24:06.920 1 Peter, chapter 2. 00:24:08.800 --> 00:24:10.820 1, 2, 1, 8. 00:24:17.880 --> 00:24:19.759 Page 1, 2, 1, 8. 00:24:19.759 --> 00:24:22.700 1 Peter, chapter 2. 00:24:22.700 --> 00:24:33.279 Here we are given a picture of the God 00:24:33.279 --> 00:24:35.660 who came to experience injustice 00:24:35.660 --> 00:24:39.980 and encountered unfairness. 00:24:41.819 --> 00:24:43.880 1 Peter 2, verse 22. 00:24:44.880 --> 00:24:46.160 Speaking of Christ, 00:24:46.160 --> 00:24:46.800 He committed no sin. 00:24:46.800 --> 00:24:48.860 He committed no sin. 00:24:48.860 --> 00:24:48.960 He committed no sin. 00:24:49.820 --> 00:24:52.700 And no deceit was found in his mouth. 00:24:54.340 --> 00:24:57.759 Here is the ultimate innocent Job 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:59.360 found in Christ. 00:24:59.460 --> 00:25:00.620 He committed no sin. 00:25:00.619 --> 00:25:11.699 verse 23 but they hurled their insults at him but he didn't retaliate when he suffered he made 00:25:11.699 --> 00:25:19.459 no threats instead he entrusted himself to him who judges justly 00:25:19.459 --> 00:25:27.239 he himself bore our sins in his body on the tree that's on the cross 00:25:27.240 --> 00:25:38.359 so that we might die to our sin live for righteousness by his wounds we have been healed 00:25:38.359 --> 00:25:50.620 god came down to deal with our sin he came to die for our sin through the unjust unfair suffering of 00:25:50.619 --> 00:26:00.699 christ we find our true ultimate healing and while we're never going to understand god's ways or 00:26:00.699 --> 00:26:09.299 why things happen the way they do the cross stands before us as the supreme piece of evidence 00:26:09.299 --> 00:26:19.000 the proof that we need that we can trust him to do what is always right always fair and always just 00:26:19.000 --> 00:26:30.680 we just need to look at the cross and see christ who suffered unfairly unjustly for us 00:26:30.680 --> 00:26:41.619 and if god is going to take care of our salvation then he is going to take care of our suffering 00:26:41.619 --> 00:26:53.299 here is the god that we can trust to always do what is right and fair and just 00:26:53.299 --> 00:27:05.899 we're not going to sing this morning instead we're going to listen to a psalm you can turn it into your 00:27:05.900 --> 00:27:09.019 bibles right now psalm number 13 00:27:09.019 --> 00:27:24.300 psalm 13 00:27:24.300 --> 00:27:30.220 somebody pointed this out to me earlier on in our studies of 00:27:30.220 --> 00:27:39.220 of job and i think this psalm really pulls together a lot of the themes a lot of the 00:27:39.220 --> 00:27:46.819 the questions that we have and the psalm starts out by asking in verse one how long oh lord will you 00:27:46.819 --> 00:27:55.980 forget me forever so this is the cry that we have as we shout out to god why why the unjustness why the 00:27:55.980 --> 00:28:01.980 unfairness are you hypocritical all of these questions get fired out to god 00:28:01.980 --> 00:28:07.180 and the conclusion of the psalm in verse five and six 00:28:07.180 --> 00:28:16.400 but i trust in your unfailing love my heart rejoices in your salvation i will sing to the lord 00:28:16.400 --> 00:28:18.740 for he has been good to me 00:28:18.740 --> 00:28:27.220 you can follow through the words it'll be sung they'll be on the screen just simply reflect and 00:28:27.220 --> 00:28:33.660 meditate and allow the song as you kind of listen to it to speak afresh your trust 00:28:33.660 --> 00:28:39.759 to our almighty god if you don't like some of the images well then just 00:28:39.759 --> 00:28:46.220 look at the words in the bible but i think it'll be helpful um for us 00:28:46.220 --> 00:28:56.140 with the歌 you can get musician you check out we can see that offer today 00:28:56.140 --> 00:28:57.559 so 00:28:57.559 --> 00:28:59.240 you 00:28:59.240 --> 00:29:00.700 you 00:29:00.700 --> 00:29:03.799 and 00:29:06.559 --> 00:29:08.779 you 00:29:08.779 --> 00:29:10.700 you 00:29:10.700 --> 00:29:12.680 you 00:29:12.680 --> 00:29:42.660 Thank you. 00:29:42.680 --> 00:30:12.660 Thank you. 00:30:12.680 --> 00:30:14.680 Thank you. 00:30:42.680 --> 00:30:44.680 Thank you. 00:31:12.680 --> 00:31:14.680 Thank you. 00:31:14.680 --> 00:31:16.680 Thank you. 00:31:16.680 --> 00:31:18.680 Thank you. 00:31:18.680 --> 00:31:20.680 Thank you. 00:31:20.680 --> 00:31:22.680 Thank you. 00:31:22.680 --> 00:31:24.680 Thank you. 00:31:24.680 --> 00:31:26.680 Thank you. 00:31:26.680 --> 00:31:28.680 Thank you. 00:31:28.680 --> 00:31:30.680 Thank you. 00:31:30.680 --> 00:31:32.680 Thank you. 00:31:32.680 --> 00:31:34.680 Thank you. 00:31:34.680 --> 00:31:36.240 My darkness 00:31:36.240 --> 00:31:40.220 Before they see me 00:31:40.220 --> 00:31:41.380 Fall 00:31:41.380 --> 00:31:47.380 But I trust 00:31:47.380 --> 00:31:52.320 In your unfailing love 00:31:52.320 --> 00:31:58.080 Yes, my heart will rejoice 00:31:58.080 --> 00:32:02.920 And still I see 00:32:02.920 --> 00:32:07.820 Of your unfailing love 00:32:07.820 --> 00:32:12.920 You have been good 00:32:12.920 --> 00:32:17.920 You will be good 00:32:17.920 --> 00:32:20.320 To me 00:32:20.319 --> 00:32:27.319 To me 00:32:27.319 --> 00:32:31.319 To me 00:32:31.319 --> 00:32:38.319 To me 00:32:38.319 --> 00:32:39.319 To me 00:32:39.319 --> 00:32:40.319 To me 00:32:40.319 --> 00:32:42.319 To me 00:32:42.319 --> 00:32:53.319 To me 00:32:53.319 --> 00:32:55.319 To me 00:32:55.319 --> 00:32:56.319 To me 00:32:56.319 --> 00:32:57.319 To me 00:32:57.319 --> 00:32:59.319 To me 00:32:59.319 --> 00:33:00.319 To me 00:33:00.319 --> 00:33:01.319 My Father 00:33:01.319 --> 00:33:05.500 Before they see me fall 00:33:05.500 --> 00:33:09.639 Look on me and answer 00:33:09.639 --> 00:33:13.359 Oh God my Father 00:33:13.359 --> 00:33:16.819 Bring light to my God 00:33:16.819 --> 00:33:22.319 Before they see me fall 00:33:22.319 --> 00:33:28.039 But I trust 00:33:28.039 --> 00:33:32.980 In your unfailing love 00:33:32.980 --> 00:33:39.920 Yes my heart will rejoice 00:33:39.920 --> 00:33:43.519 There are things 00:33:43.519 --> 00:33:48.039 Of your unfailing love 00:33:48.639 --> 00:33:50.240 Are good 00:33:50.240 --> 00:33:54.139 You have been good 00:33:54.140 --> 00:33:59.080 But I trust 00:33:59.080 --> 00:34:03.080 In your unfailing love 00:34:03.080 --> 00:34:09.019 Yes my heart will rejoice 00:34:09.019 --> 00:34:14.079 If I trust 00:34:14.079 --> 00:34:19.019 Oh you are unfailing love 00:34:19.019 --> 00:34:24.019 You have been good 00:34:24.019 --> 00:34:29.019 You will be good 00:34:29.019 --> 00:34:33.019 To me 00:34:33.019 --> 00:34:58.900 Just close in prayer 00:34:58.900 --> 00:35:09.039 Father we would be foolish 00:35:09.039 --> 00:35:12.280 To trust in anyone else 00:35:12.280 --> 00:35:14.420 Or anything else 00:35:14.420 --> 00:35:17.840 And so with all of our questions 00:35:17.840 --> 00:35:19.380 With all of our 00:35:19.380 --> 00:35:21.119 Our wonderings 00:35:21.119 --> 00:35:24.099 We come afresh 00:35:24.099 --> 00:35:25.860 And trust in you 00:35:25.860 --> 00:35:29.119 For we know you have 00:35:29.119 --> 00:35:29.779 Been good 00:35:29.779 --> 00:35:31.159 You've shown your goodness 00:35:31.159 --> 00:35:32.380 Through your son 00:35:32.380 --> 00:35:34.500 Coming to die 00:35:34.500 --> 00:35:35.599 And to rise again 00:35:35.599 --> 00:35:36.940 For us 00:35:36.940 --> 00:35:39.179 And we trust 00:35:39.179 --> 00:35:40.380 That you will be good 00:35:40.380 --> 00:35:42.440 In the future 00:35:42.440 --> 00:35:45.199 For you will take us home 00:35:45.199 --> 00:35:46.059 To be with you 00:35:46.059 --> 00:35:47.480 Forever and forever 00:35:47.480 --> 00:35:50.480 But we trust 00:35:50.480 --> 00:35:51.380 That you will be good 00:35:51.380 --> 00:35:52.460 To us this day 00:35:52.460 --> 00:35:54.920 In all of our struggles 00:35:54.920 --> 00:35:56.559 In all that we experience 00:35:56.559 --> 00:35:57.599 And encounter 00:35:57.599 --> 00:36:01.019 You are always just 00:36:01.019 --> 00:36:03.019 Fair and right 00:36:03.019 --> 00:36:05.920 We declare we love you 00:36:05.920 --> 00:36:07.980 We declare you are 00:36:07.980 --> 00:36:08.820 An awesome God 00:36:08.820 --> 00:36:12.740 And we walk with you 00:36:12.740 --> 00:36:13.340 This day 00:36:13.340 --> 00:36:15.159 As you hold us 00:36:15.159 --> 00:36:16.019 And carry us 00:36:16.019 --> 00:36:19.800 We praise you 00:36:19.800 --> 00:36:20.380 And thank you 00:36:20.380 --> 00:36:21.340 In Jesus name 00:36:21.340 --> 00:36:22.880 Amen 00:36:46.019 --> 00:36:46.519 Let's pray 00:36:46.699 --> 00:36:47.139 For you 00:36:47.139 --> 00:36:47.639 Amen 00:36:47.639 --> 00:36:47.840 Amen 00:36:47.840 --> 00:36:48.699 Ephraim 00:36:48.699 --> 00:36:48.860 Amen 00:36:48.860 --> 00:36:49.400 Amen 00:36:49.400 --> 00:36:50.980 Amen 00:36:50.980 --> 00:36:51.219 Amen 00:36:51.219 --> 00:36:51.659 Amen 00:36:51.659 --> 00:36:52.579 Amen 00:36:52.579 --> 00:36:56.280 Amen 00:36:56.280 --> 00:36:56.800 Amen 00:36:56.800 --> 00:36:58.159 Amen 00:36:58.159 --> 00:36:58.759 Amen 00:36:58.759 --> 00:37:02.860 Amen 00:37:02.860 --> 00:37:07.780 Amen 00:37:07.780 --> 00:37:08.119 Amen 00:37:08.119 --> 00:37:09.079 Amen 00:37:09.079 --> 00:37:09.239 Amen 00:37:09.239 --> 00:37:10.880 Amen 00:37:10.880 --> 00:37:11.219 Amen 00:37:11.219 --> 00:37:11.340 Amen 00:37:11.340 --> 00:37:11.539 Amen 00:37:11.539 --> 00:37:12.079 Amen 00:37:12.079 --> 00:37:13.059 Amen 00:37:13.059 --> 00:37:13.239 Amen 00:37:13.239 --> 00:37:15.460 Amen 00:37:15.460 --> 00:37:45.440 Thank you. 00:37:45.460 --> 00:38:15.440 Thank you.