WEBVTT 00:00:00.100 --> 00:00:08.859 Amen. Thanks for reading, guys. If you keep your Bibles open and turn with me, we're just going to read a few verses from chapter 40 as well. 00:00:09.419 --> 00:00:15.860 Our text for this morning is chapter 40, verse 6 to chapter 42, verse 6. 00:00:16.320 --> 00:00:20.640 So if you turn with me to Job 40, verse 6, and I'll start reading. 00:00:21.480 --> 00:00:24.039 This is God in his second speech to Job. He says, 00:00:24.039 --> 00:00:26.820 Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. 00:00:26.820 --> 00:00:31.280 Brace yourself like a man. I will question you and you shall answer me. 00:00:31.839 --> 00:00:36.579 Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself? 00:00:37.420 --> 00:00:41.960 Do you have an arm like God's? And can your voice thunder like his? 00:00:42.780 --> 00:00:48.079 Then adorn yourself with glory and splendor. Clothe yourself in honor and majesty. 00:00:49.000 --> 00:00:54.000 Unleash the fury of your wrath. Look at all who are proud and bring them low. 00:00:54.000 --> 00:00:59.200 Look at all who are proud and humble them. Crush the wicked where they stand. 00:00:59.359 --> 00:01:04.700 Bury them all in the dust together. Shroud their faces in the grave. 00:01:04.819 --> 00:01:09.780 Then I myself will admit to you that your own right hand can save you. 00:01:10.740 --> 00:01:17.019 Look at Behemoth, which I made along with you, and which feeds on grass like an ox. 00:01:17.019 --> 00:01:21.840 What strength it has in its loins. What power in the muscles of its belly. 00:01:21.840 --> 00:01:27.420 Its tail sways like a cedar. The sinews of its thighs are close knit. 00:01:27.560 --> 00:01:32.519 Its bones are tubes of bronze. Its limbs like rods of iron. 00:01:33.259 --> 00:01:35.840 It ranks first among the works of God. 00:01:36.099 --> 00:01:39.859 Yet its maker can approach it with his sword. 00:01:39.859 --> 00:01:45.819 The hills bring their produce and all the wild animals play nearby. 00:01:46.120 --> 00:01:48.120 Under the lotus plant it lies. 00:01:48.659 --> 00:01:50.239 Hidden among the reeds in the marsh. 00:01:50.319 --> 00:01:52.719 The lotuses conceal it in their shadow. 00:01:53.480 --> 00:01:56.659 The poplars by the stream surround it. 00:01:57.060 --> 00:01:59.120 A raging river does not alarm it. 00:01:59.180 --> 00:02:02.900 It is secure, though the Jordan should surge against its mouth. 00:02:02.900 --> 00:02:09.200 Can anyone capture it by the eyes or trap it and pierce its nose? 00:02:10.659 --> 00:02:15.060 And I wonder if we could just read those final six verses as Job responds to God. 00:02:15.140 --> 00:02:19.719 But if we could stand as we say, as I read these words for us. 00:02:19.740 --> 00:02:22.879 So let us stand together as we read Job's response. 00:02:23.540 --> 00:02:25.599 Upon hearing all that God has said, Job says, 00:02:25.599 --> 00:02:28.539 I know that you can do all things. 00:02:29.039 --> 00:02:31.219 No purpose of yours can be thwarted. 00:02:31.319 --> 00:02:35.240 You asked, who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge? 00:02:35.740 --> 00:02:38.819 Surely I spoke of things I did not understand. 00:02:39.459 --> 00:02:41.539 Things too wonderful for me to know. 00:02:42.159 --> 00:02:44.159 You said, listen now and I will speak. 00:02:44.259 --> 00:02:47.299 I will question you and you shall answer me. 00:02:48.139 --> 00:02:51.680 My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you. 00:02:51.680 --> 00:02:56.719 Therefore, I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes. 00:02:57.420 --> 00:02:59.900 As we take our seats, let me pray once more. 00:02:59.980 --> 00:03:01.680 Father, we thank you for your word. 00:03:02.060 --> 00:03:05.860 And we pray this morning that the words of my mouth, 00:03:06.260 --> 00:03:09.500 that the meditations of all of our hearts would be pleasing to you, 00:03:09.740 --> 00:03:11.960 our rock and our redeemer. 00:03:12.659 --> 00:03:12.960 Amen. 00:03:14.420 --> 00:03:18.060 It is so easy, isn't it, to see something go wrong 00:03:18.060 --> 00:03:20.600 and to think that we would do a better job. 00:03:20.599 --> 00:03:24.219 Maybe you feel this in your every day 00:03:24.219 --> 00:03:28.319 as you maybe see some shoddy workmanship of a building contractor 00:03:28.319 --> 00:03:31.840 who leaves live wires sticking out behind the plug. 00:03:32.900 --> 00:03:36.319 Maybe you see a government spokesperson addressing a whole country 00:03:36.319 --> 00:03:40.699 and stumbling over their words or the statistics they're trying to read out 00:03:40.699 --> 00:03:42.299 and you just feel embarrassed. 00:03:43.859 --> 00:03:45.519 Or maybe you're out for a meal 00:03:45.519 --> 00:03:49.319 and you see a waiter drop an entire tray full of drinks. 00:03:49.319 --> 00:03:51.879 When we see these things, 00:03:52.439 --> 00:03:55.840 we automatically think that we would do a better job. 00:03:57.319 --> 00:03:59.639 Now those are very trivial examples, 00:03:59.859 --> 00:04:03.859 but the same applies to really big and important things as well, doesn't it? 00:04:04.900 --> 00:04:06.099 When we're suffering, 00:04:06.780 --> 00:04:08.060 when our lives are a mess, 00:04:08.159 --> 00:04:10.560 when chaos is all that we seem to know, 00:04:11.259 --> 00:04:12.079 deep down, 00:04:12.080 --> 00:04:16.379 we think that we should be capable of fixing ourselves. 00:04:17.460 --> 00:04:20.240 We think that we should be able to just be better, 00:04:20.360 --> 00:04:21.220 to do better. 00:04:22.280 --> 00:04:23.580 The world we live in, 00:04:23.660 --> 00:04:25.439 maybe even you this morning, 00:04:25.759 --> 00:04:28.240 have a worldview that is black and white. 00:04:28.699 --> 00:04:29.860 If you do good, 00:04:29.920 --> 00:04:30.920 good will happen to you. 00:04:31.460 --> 00:04:32.379 And if you do bad, 00:04:32.620 --> 00:04:33.980 bad things will happen to you. 00:04:33.980 --> 00:04:37.420 We think that we should be able to fixing, 00:04:37.819 --> 00:04:40.060 be capable of fixing ourselves. 00:04:40.600 --> 00:04:42.400 We think that we should be better. 00:04:44.500 --> 00:04:49.460 But all we need to be reminded of our inability to save ourselves, 00:04:49.580 --> 00:04:51.420 our inability to fix ourselves, 00:04:51.540 --> 00:04:54.319 our inability to glue ourselves back together, 00:04:54.319 --> 00:04:58.500 is the death of a loved one, 00:04:59.360 --> 00:05:01.899 a traumatic experience, 00:05:03.120 --> 00:05:05.180 a doctor's appointment that goes, 00:05:06.019 --> 00:05:07.659 doesn't go the way we wanted it to, 00:05:08.639 --> 00:05:10.120 a mental breakdown. 00:05:10.759 --> 00:05:17.039 And suddenly we are confronted again with the reality that in on of ourselves, 00:05:17.039 --> 00:05:19.719 we can achieve very little. 00:05:22.159 --> 00:05:22.860 This morning, 00:05:22.939 --> 00:05:24.180 as we turn to the book of Job, 00:05:24.319 --> 00:05:25.879 in God's second speech, 00:05:26.319 --> 00:05:27.339 God asks Job, 00:05:27.439 --> 00:05:31.939 do you really think that you can do a better job than God? 00:05:33.779 --> 00:05:38.319 Job will be confronted with humanity's ultimate and final enemies, 00:05:39.000 --> 00:05:40.360 death and the devil. 00:05:41.719 --> 00:05:42.519 And God says, 00:05:42.600 --> 00:05:42.759 Job, 00:05:42.819 --> 00:05:46.399 do you really think that you can stand before these alone? 00:05:48.800 --> 00:05:54.240 Do you have what it takes to face death and the devil without God? 00:05:54.319 --> 00:05:55.099 By your side? 00:05:57.839 --> 00:05:59.879 The answer has to be a resounding no. 00:06:01.180 --> 00:06:02.279 As mere mortals, 00:06:02.379 --> 00:06:07.060 we cannot face death and win because death comes to every single one of us. 00:06:07.060 --> 00:06:10.079 And we cannot face the devil. 00:06:10.079 --> 00:06:12.240 Because as finite beings, 00:06:12.439 --> 00:06:15.480 we don't have the strength enough to resist temptation. 00:06:16.560 --> 00:06:19.980 Never mind to face the tempter and accuser head on. 00:06:19.980 --> 00:06:24.360 But what we're going to see this morning, 00:06:25.360 --> 00:06:26.500 as God asked Job, 00:06:26.560 --> 00:06:29.379 if he really thinks he can do a better job than he does, 00:06:29.640 --> 00:06:31.319 is that we can't. 00:06:31.939 --> 00:06:33.620 We simply cannot. 00:06:34.500 --> 00:06:36.180 But we are not without hope. 00:06:36.180 --> 00:06:43.959 Because we come to a great God who is in control of all things and who has the power to save. 00:06:44.340 --> 00:06:46.819 And who is in control of our worst enemies. 00:06:46.819 --> 00:06:52.800 We come before a God this morning who has defeated death. 00:06:53.339 --> 00:06:55.379 And who has defeated the devil. 00:06:56.800 --> 00:07:01.800 So keep that passage open in front of you as we turn to Job 40 to 42. 00:07:02.639 --> 00:07:05.459 And let us be blown away by the God who is in control. 00:07:05.980 --> 00:07:08.360 And see how that can bring comfort, 00:07:09.060 --> 00:07:11.060 even in the darkest of times. 00:07:11.060 --> 00:07:14.500 So the first thing we see in this passage is the question, 00:07:15.079 --> 00:07:16.660 can you save yourself? 00:07:17.500 --> 00:07:20.040 In chapter 40 verses 6 to 14, 00:07:20.240 --> 00:07:22.120 can you save yourself? 00:07:23.560 --> 00:07:28.759 So God begins his second speech to Job with the same courtroom language as the first. 00:07:29.939 --> 00:07:31.939 Job's been asking throughout this whole book 00:07:31.939 --> 00:07:36.459 for a chance to plead his case before God in the courts. 00:07:37.319 --> 00:07:40.800 There were times where Job wanted to put God in the dock. 00:07:41.060 --> 00:07:44.639 And question God about why he's suffering so much. 00:07:46.459 --> 00:07:47.579 And so for the second time, 00:07:47.680 --> 00:07:49.339 God says in verse 7, 00:07:49.459 --> 00:07:51.180 Brace yourself like a man. 00:07:51.800 --> 00:07:53.340 And I will question you. 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:55.040 And you shall answer me. 00:07:55.920 --> 00:07:57.319 In the original language, 00:07:57.439 --> 00:07:58.340 God literally says, 00:07:58.519 --> 00:08:00.100 Job, gird up your loins. 00:08:01.220 --> 00:08:04.319 Which means prepare yourself for something difficult. 00:08:04.540 --> 00:08:06.459 Dress yourself with boldness. 00:08:06.639 --> 00:08:07.420 And get ready. 00:08:08.040 --> 00:08:10.340 Because you are the one who's being questioned this morning. 00:08:11.060 --> 00:08:17.980 And Job will need every ounce of energy and wisdom that he has for this interaction with God. 00:08:19.079 --> 00:08:22.959 And so God begins with three rhetorical questions. 00:08:22.959 --> 00:08:24.560 Look with me at verse 8. 00:08:25.519 --> 00:08:27.459 Would you discredit my justice? 00:08:28.199 --> 00:08:30.939 Would you condemn me to justify yourself? 00:08:30.939 --> 00:08:33.419 Do you have an arm like God's? 00:08:34.480 --> 00:08:37.000 And can your voice thunder like his? 00:08:38.960 --> 00:08:41.620 So in God's first speech, 00:08:41.779 --> 00:08:47.519 he reminded Job of his absolute control over creation and the created order. 00:08:48.360 --> 00:08:53.620 God reminded Job of his finiteness in comparison to the greatness of God. 00:08:53.620 --> 00:08:57.259 God reminded Job that he is the created, 00:08:57.759 --> 00:08:59.139 not the creator. 00:09:01.399 --> 00:09:02.960 And now in God's second speech, 00:09:03.019 --> 00:09:03.960 he begins by saying, 00:09:04.080 --> 00:09:04.700 Really Job? 00:09:05.159 --> 00:09:05.620 Really? 00:09:06.159 --> 00:09:07.879 You think you can do better than me? 00:09:08.379 --> 00:09:10.759 You think you can be me? 00:09:10.759 --> 00:09:15.919 Job is met with the sheer magnitude of God. 00:09:16.720 --> 00:09:21.620 His eyes are lifted to see a vast and glorious picture of God. 00:09:21.740 --> 00:09:24.580 And then these questions come and shake him to the core. 00:09:27.259 --> 00:09:28.179 Throughout this book, 00:09:28.240 --> 00:09:29.340 as Job has been suffering, 00:09:29.899 --> 00:09:31.679 he has said wrong things about God. 00:09:31.679 --> 00:09:35.359 And we'll come to a little bit more of that next week as we end the series. 00:09:36.519 --> 00:09:39.339 He has called God's justice into question. 00:09:39.459 --> 00:09:42.699 He's doubted whether God would or could save him. 00:09:43.579 --> 00:09:45.639 And so the rhetorical question in verse 9, 00:09:45.819 --> 00:09:47.599 Do you have an arm like God's? 00:09:49.519 --> 00:09:54.099 Is designed to help Job see that despite how his situation may make him feel, 00:09:56.859 --> 00:10:00.939 Job needs to know that God is unfailingly just. 00:10:01.679 --> 00:10:04.699 And that God is the only one who can save Job. 00:10:06.899 --> 00:10:10.099 Job needs to be reminded of who it is that he is talking to. 00:10:11.599 --> 00:10:15.939 See, God is not just some minor authority figure that we entertain. 00:10:16.839 --> 00:10:22.219 God isn't just an important guy that maybe governs a tiny village with a few houses in it. 00:10:22.639 --> 00:10:24.739 Job is speaking to the God of the universe. 00:10:25.779 --> 00:10:29.459 The God who governs this world with a mighty hand. 00:10:29.460 --> 00:10:36.680 The God who judges justly and the God whose voice thunders with authority. 00:10:36.679 --> 00:10:44.219 This is a powerful reminder that God is God and Job is not. 00:10:46.039 --> 00:10:52.039 And God points this out in verses 10 to 14 by challenging Job to be and act like God. 00:10:52.039 --> 00:10:55.679 So in verse 10, God says, Job, be like me. 00:10:56.339 --> 00:10:58.099 Adorn yourself with majesty. 00:10:58.679 --> 00:11:03.399 Clothe yourself with all the glory and splendor you can even begin to imagine. 00:11:03.899 --> 00:11:06.480 Be holy and perfect like I am. 00:11:06.480 --> 00:11:13.519 And in verses 11 to 13, God says, Job, judge justly like I do. 00:11:15.460 --> 00:11:16.600 Condemn the proud. 00:11:16.779 --> 00:11:19.259 Bring down those who oppose others. 00:11:19.420 --> 00:11:21.399 The wicked in heart who oppose God. 00:11:21.800 --> 00:11:25.060 Bring righteous anger and judgment on them. 00:11:25.059 --> 00:11:28.979 And then the clinch comes in verse 14. 00:11:29.099 --> 00:11:35.500 Then I myself will admit to you that your own right hand can save you. 00:11:36.119 --> 00:11:41.239 So Job, if you can do all of this, then and only then can you save yourself. 00:11:42.619 --> 00:11:48.439 No amount of good works, no amount of righteous acts will save Job. 00:11:48.440 --> 00:11:53.320 God is the reminding Job that he alone can save him. 00:11:54.140 --> 00:11:58.360 Only God has the power to save and redeem people. 00:11:58.460 --> 00:12:00.220 To make people right with God. 00:12:02.640 --> 00:12:04.860 And that is what God asked Job. 00:12:05.060 --> 00:12:06.800 Confronted with each other in the courtroom. 00:12:06.940 --> 00:12:08.240 Can you save yourself, Job? 00:12:10.180 --> 00:12:12.800 And the response has to be a resounding no. 00:12:12.799 --> 00:12:22.799 Friends, in the midst of great suffering and pain, our temptation is to think that we would do a better job than God. 00:12:24.979 --> 00:12:26.919 We wouldn't give ourselves cancer. 00:12:27.679 --> 00:12:31.419 We wouldn't put ourselves through pain and suffering. 00:12:33.579 --> 00:12:40.859 There is a mindset in the global church as well that has duped people into thinking that they can do things to earn their salvation. 00:12:40.860 --> 00:12:44.580 Now let me be absolutely clear. 00:12:44.700 --> 00:12:51.539 There is absolutely nothing, zero you can do to earn your salvation. 00:12:53.899 --> 00:12:59.580 When it comes to your salvation, the question we need to ask ourselves is not, what can I do to be saved? 00:13:00.460 --> 00:13:05.300 The question you need to ask yourself is, are you trusting in the completed work of Jesus Christ? 00:13:05.299 --> 00:13:12.679 Because salvation is not based on what you do, it is based on what he has already done. 00:13:15.919 --> 00:13:18.579 Friends, we need to hear this speech from God. 00:13:19.399 --> 00:13:25.459 We need to realize, like Job does, that God alone is the one who saves people. 00:13:26.099 --> 00:13:28.299 That God is God and we are not. 00:13:28.299 --> 00:13:38.639 We are nothing in comparison to his might, to his splendor, to his unfailing love and faithfulness, to his majesty. 00:13:40.099 --> 00:13:42.079 God is the only one who can save people. 00:13:42.080 --> 00:13:49.300 And then the second thing we see in this passage is God's second question to Job. 00:13:49.720 --> 00:13:51.500 Can you control evil? 00:13:52.100 --> 00:13:57.600 In chapter 40 verses 15 through to the end of chapter 41. 00:13:57.860 --> 00:14:00.580 Can you control evil? 00:14:01.639 --> 00:14:04.440 Now in these chapters we are introduced to two characters. 00:14:04.440 --> 00:14:12.560 Behemoth in chapter 40 verses 15 to 24 and Leviathan in chapter 41. 00:14:13.500 --> 00:14:16.360 Now these creatures are described at length. 00:14:16.940 --> 00:14:20.000 And they are described in ways that would be understandable to Job. 00:14:20.000 --> 00:14:26.860 And yet ways that go beyond what is physically possible for any creature or animal known to man. 00:14:27.900 --> 00:14:32.420 They are a bit like the final undefeatable enemies at the end of a video game. 00:14:32.419 --> 00:14:37.179 You have played for days and you have beaten all the other bosses along the way. 00:14:37.299 --> 00:14:41.759 But right at the end, that final boss comes out and you are dead in seconds. 00:14:42.259 --> 00:14:42.759 Game over. 00:14:44.919 --> 00:14:47.179 But these aren't characters in a video game, are they? 00:14:48.659 --> 00:14:53.120 These are poetic descriptions of humanity's worst enemies. 00:14:54.019 --> 00:14:55.839 Death and the devil. 00:14:55.840 --> 00:15:03.600 Despite the fact that some of these descriptions may seem like they are normal creatures and animals. 00:15:03.600 --> 00:15:05.220 Like a hippo or a crocodile. 00:15:05.440 --> 00:15:07.259 Maybe your Bible even says that. 00:15:08.460 --> 00:15:15.480 Many scholars, in fact most scholars, agree that these creatures are poetic descriptions of death and the devil. 00:15:15.580 --> 00:15:17.180 That is the historical view. 00:15:17.300 --> 00:15:20.879 That is what the original readers of the book of Job would have understood. 00:15:20.879 --> 00:15:31.980 So these lengthy and frankly terrifying descriptions are there for Job to answer the rhetorical question. 00:15:32.080 --> 00:15:35.000 As he stands in the dock, as he is questioned by God. 00:15:35.720 --> 00:15:38.419 Do you think you can do a better job than me? 00:15:39.559 --> 00:15:41.340 Can you control evil? 00:15:41.340 --> 00:15:51.280 I come with me to the text and I'll explain why I think that behemoth is a symbolic picture of chaos, evil and death. 00:15:52.500 --> 00:15:56.740 So behemoth is a plural form of the common Hebrew word for beast. 00:15:57.560 --> 00:16:02.399 But from the text, it's pretty clear that only one character is being described. 00:16:02.399 --> 00:16:10.419 So the plural use of the word is being used as an indication of the strength and size of this beast. 00:16:11.559 --> 00:16:15.439 And look at some of these terrifying descriptions. 00:16:17.039 --> 00:16:21.059 Verse 15, this beast has an insatiable appetite like an ox. 00:16:21.519 --> 00:16:24.439 Verse 16, it is powerful and strong. 00:16:24.860 --> 00:16:29.179 Verse 17, it has a tail as thick as a tree. 00:16:29.179 --> 00:16:35.639 Verse 18, its legs are like pillars of bronze and iron that keep buildings in place. 00:16:36.779 --> 00:16:41.199 Verses 20 to 22, speak of this beast as always being there. 00:16:41.779 --> 00:16:43.719 It may be lurking in the shadows. 00:16:43.859 --> 00:16:45.779 It may be standing in plain sight. 00:16:46.639 --> 00:16:48.919 But as verses 23 to 24 say, 00:16:49.539 --> 00:16:51.819 a raging river does not alarm it. 00:16:52.379 --> 00:16:56.620 It is secure, though the Jordan should surge against its mouth. 00:16:56.620 --> 00:17:01.399 Can anyone capture it by the eyes or trap it and pierce its nose? 00:17:03.159 --> 00:17:05.339 This beast is fearless. 00:17:06.480 --> 00:17:07.799 It cannot be tamed. 00:17:07.980 --> 00:17:12.700 No one dares to draw near to it and it cannot be put on a leash. 00:17:15.140 --> 00:17:20.380 These are symbolic descriptions of a mystical creature that does not actually exist, 00:17:20.500 --> 00:17:23.519 but one that strikes fear into the heart of Job. 00:17:23.519 --> 00:17:29.720 It's maybe a bit like how we would describe the grim reaper today. 00:17:30.660 --> 00:17:32.779 A mystical description of death itself. 00:17:32.879 --> 00:17:36.220 A tall, dark, hooded figure walking to and fro, 00:17:36.799 --> 00:17:40.240 bringing death to those whose time is up. 00:17:42.139 --> 00:17:44.799 And so you can imagine, Job, aren't you standing in the dock 00:17:44.799 --> 00:17:49.579 before God hearing these terrifying descriptions? 00:17:49.579 --> 00:17:51.699 And I know I would want to run a mile. 00:17:52.439 --> 00:17:53.519 It is terrifying. 00:17:54.659 --> 00:17:57.539 Just the thought of this beast, just the thought of death, 00:17:58.000 --> 00:18:01.639 shakes the most hardened of people to their very core, 00:18:01.939 --> 00:18:02.960 and they tremble. 00:18:04.519 --> 00:18:05.879 Death is not our friend. 00:18:08.159 --> 00:18:09.439 And yet there is hope. 00:18:10.099 --> 00:18:11.099 Look at verse 19. 00:18:11.099 --> 00:18:15.179 God says that Behemoth ranks first among the works of God, 00:18:15.559 --> 00:18:19.199 yet its maker can approach it with his sword. 00:18:20.379 --> 00:18:22.659 So God says this beast, death, 00:18:23.279 --> 00:18:27.099 seems like the most powerful creature imaginable. 00:18:27.579 --> 00:18:30.859 But know this, Job, that I hold the sword. 00:18:30.859 --> 00:18:34.559 This beast is terrifying to everyone, 00:18:34.679 --> 00:18:36.919 but I am the one who controls it. 00:18:37.539 --> 00:18:40.059 And so if you stand before death and you're afraid, 00:18:40.939 --> 00:18:45.539 how much more should you fear the one who controls death itself? 00:18:48.319 --> 00:18:52.359 And the second creature we meet is Leviathan in chapter 41. 00:18:53.299 --> 00:18:56.899 Here we get 34 verses that are used to describe this massive, 00:18:56.900 --> 00:19:02.860 terrifying, deadly creature who wreaks havoc and feeds on disaster, 00:19:03.680 --> 00:19:05.120 evil, and chaos. 00:19:06.400 --> 00:19:07.600 Similar to Behemoth, 00:19:07.720 --> 00:19:10.220 some people have looked at these descriptions 00:19:10.220 --> 00:19:14.040 and argued that Leviathan is basically a big crocodile. 00:19:14.880 --> 00:19:17.660 But none of those descriptions really fit the mold. 00:19:18.980 --> 00:19:22.460 And I think it makes more sense that the Leviathan is not an animal, 00:19:23.080 --> 00:19:24.220 but is instead the devil, 00:19:24.220 --> 00:19:27.460 that we met in Job 1 and 2. 00:19:28.380 --> 00:19:32.539 So from a plain reading of the text in Job 1 and 2, 00:19:32.620 --> 00:19:33.400 we meet the devil, 00:19:34.380 --> 00:19:36.720 but we don't hear from him or see him again. 00:19:37.839 --> 00:19:40.640 We're told that he attacks Job in chapters 1 and 2 00:19:40.640 --> 00:19:42.160 with the Lord's permission. 00:19:43.079 --> 00:19:46.039 The Lord's goal is to prove the genuineness of Job's faith, 00:19:46.140 --> 00:19:50.920 but the devil's goal is to make Job curse God and reject him. 00:19:50.920 --> 00:19:53.860 But in chapter 3, 00:19:54.800 --> 00:19:59.200 Job speaks about an evil creature who brings calamity and destruction, 00:20:00.360 --> 00:20:01.039 the Leviathan. 00:20:02.300 --> 00:20:06.180 And then the Leviathan is described in chapter 41 a bit like a dragon. 00:20:07.120 --> 00:20:10.340 So the word Leviathan literally means twisting one. 00:20:11.420 --> 00:20:13.279 And some of the descriptions in this chapter 00:20:13.279 --> 00:20:17.759 conjure images of a massive snake-like or dragon-like creature. 00:20:17.759 --> 00:20:20.240 So look with me at verse 12. 00:20:20.859 --> 00:20:23.039 It speaks of this, 00:20:23.339 --> 00:20:26.720 of the Leviathan's mighty strength and his humongous body. 00:20:26.900 --> 00:20:31.319 Verse 14 says that his teeth are surrounded by terror and fear. 00:20:32.019 --> 00:20:36.359 Verse 15 says that his back are full of scales like armor. 00:20:36.500 --> 00:20:38.660 And verse 18 says it's snorting, 00:20:39.119 --> 00:20:40.619 throws out flashes of light. 00:20:41.160 --> 00:20:42.759 Its eyes are like rays, 00:20:42.920 --> 00:20:43.879 the rays of dawn, 00:20:44.079 --> 00:20:45.859 flames stream from its mouth, 00:20:45.859 --> 00:20:48.799 sparks of fire shoot out. 00:20:51.359 --> 00:20:53.579 This sounds like a supernatural, 00:20:54.019 --> 00:20:54.959 bone-chilling, 00:20:55.219 --> 00:20:56.000 terrifying, 00:20:56.319 --> 00:20:57.639 fire-breathing dragon, 00:20:57.759 --> 00:20:58.199 doesn't it? 00:21:00.639 --> 00:21:03.119 And no matter what humanity throws at it, 00:21:03.219 --> 00:21:04.240 nothing will harm it. 00:21:04.279 --> 00:21:05.459 Look at me at verse 25. 00:21:05.459 --> 00:21:06.919 When it rises up, 00:21:07.019 --> 00:21:08.459 the mighty are terrified. 00:21:09.559 --> 00:21:11.439 They retreat before its thrashing. 00:21:11.539 --> 00:21:13.740 The sword that reaches it has no effect, 00:21:13.740 --> 00:21:17.519 nor does the spear or the dart or the javelin. 00:21:18.900 --> 00:21:21.500 So when this beast launches itself in humanity, 00:21:21.620 --> 00:21:24.500 even the strong and brave are brought to naught 00:21:24.500 --> 00:21:28.440 as they shake in fear at the sight of the Leviathan. 00:21:30.240 --> 00:21:35.799 Verse 26 says that humanity can throw every weapon of defense they have at this thing 00:21:35.799 --> 00:21:38.159 and nothing will even touch it. 00:21:38.879 --> 00:21:40.339 No sword will scratch it. 00:21:40.399 --> 00:21:42.079 No spear will pierce its armor. 00:21:42.419 --> 00:21:43.940 No gun will slow it down. 00:21:44.099 --> 00:21:46.759 No weapon will bring this thing to its knees. 00:21:48.619 --> 00:21:52.220 And that's why God says at the end of the description in verse 34, 00:21:52.740 --> 00:21:54.480 nothing on earth is its equal. 00:21:56.480 --> 00:21:57.879 A creature without fear. 00:21:57.960 --> 00:22:00.200 It looks down on all that are haughty. 00:22:00.200 --> 00:22:02.700 It is king over all that are proud. 00:22:04.799 --> 00:22:09.600 So all of this together leads us to think that the Leviathan is the devil. 00:22:10.600 --> 00:22:12.519 Sure, we have plenty of questions about that. 00:22:12.640 --> 00:22:16.660 I lived in this text for a while and I have tons of questions. 00:22:17.539 --> 00:22:21.080 But I think that's where the text is leading us to conclude. 00:22:21.079 --> 00:22:28.059 Because it's also similar to the description of the devil as we read it as a serpent in Genesis 3. 00:22:29.539 --> 00:22:34.139 Who enticed Adam and Eve into sin and peddles a message of doubt by asking, 00:22:34.359 --> 00:22:35.619 did God really say? 00:22:37.000 --> 00:22:40.559 A message of doubt that continues to plague minds today, 00:22:40.960 --> 00:22:42.379 especially in suffering. 00:22:43.339 --> 00:22:48.679 When we're tempted to think that we could do a better job than God. 00:22:48.680 --> 00:22:51.539 because we wouldn't let all that suffering happen in the world. 00:22:53.340 --> 00:22:57.380 It's similar to the description in Revelation 12, 00:22:58.019 --> 00:23:02.500 where it speaks of the devil as a dragon who waged war against Jesus 00:23:02.500 --> 00:23:06.740 and a dragon who continues to fight against the Lord's people. 00:23:08.220 --> 00:23:11.580 Isaiah 27 speaks of Leviathan as a great dragon, 00:23:12.580 --> 00:23:16.220 a snake-like monster who brings nothing but chaos and destructions. 00:23:16.220 --> 00:23:17.620 Now looking at these descriptions, 00:23:17.619 --> 00:23:19.879 are terrifying. 00:23:23.079 --> 00:23:24.739 So why is God doing this? 00:23:27.179 --> 00:23:30.079 Why is God letting Job see behind the scenes, 00:23:30.179 --> 00:23:32.259 to see the devil who is afflicting him? 00:23:34.579 --> 00:23:37.259 Is God playing a cruel joke on a man who's suffering? 00:23:38.599 --> 00:23:39.079 No. 00:23:40.139 --> 00:23:41.219 God is saying, Job, 00:23:41.279 --> 00:23:44.759 if these two enemies of humanity are the things that you fear, 00:23:44.759 --> 00:23:49.400 if these are the things that keep you awake at night, 00:23:49.500 --> 00:23:50.900 then you need to remember, 00:23:51.400 --> 00:23:53.160 I am in control of them. 00:23:53.920 --> 00:23:57.420 These beasts that are the enemies of humanity 00:23:57.420 --> 00:24:01.079 are dogs on a leash that are under my command. 00:24:01.240 --> 00:24:04.440 They cannot go an inch beyond what I have decreed. 00:24:05.079 --> 00:24:05.859 And I am good. 00:24:06.319 --> 00:24:07.220 And I am faithful. 00:24:07.559 --> 00:24:08.420 And I love you. 00:24:08.420 --> 00:24:11.519 So Job, 00:24:11.580 --> 00:24:12.740 can you control evil? 00:24:13.460 --> 00:24:14.360 Absolutely not. 00:24:15.640 --> 00:24:16.640 But God can. 00:24:19.759 --> 00:24:23.039 Now we might be tempted to think that this is not an encouraging message. 00:24:23.039 --> 00:24:27.399 Especially in this kind of extreme suffering that Job is in. 00:24:28.079 --> 00:24:31.019 Why didn't God just tell Job why he was suffering? 00:24:32.960 --> 00:24:34.740 Surely that's the easier thing to do. 00:24:37.259 --> 00:24:40.359 We think that knowing the reason for our suffering will help us, 00:24:40.500 --> 00:24:41.759 but to be honest, 00:24:41.879 --> 00:24:42.920 in most cases, 00:24:43.019 --> 00:24:44.159 I really don't think it does. 00:24:44.160 --> 00:24:48.840 Job doesn't need to know why he's suffering. 00:24:48.980 --> 00:24:51.019 He needs to know who is by his side. 00:24:51.900 --> 00:24:54.640 He needs to know who is fighting his corner. 00:24:54.759 --> 00:24:57.040 He needs to grasp the greatness of God, 00:24:57.140 --> 00:24:59.279 who is in control of all things. 00:24:59.580 --> 00:25:00.040 And friends, 00:25:00.120 --> 00:25:00.900 we need that too. 00:25:04.580 --> 00:25:07.180 It is hard to see God's, 00:25:07.180 --> 00:25:10.420 how God's control over evil can make sense. 00:25:10.420 --> 00:25:12.180 And of course, 00:25:12.240 --> 00:25:15.160 we have tons of questions about that. 00:25:16.140 --> 00:25:16.620 But friends, 00:25:16.720 --> 00:25:19.460 think about our brothers and sisters right now in Afghanistan. 00:25:20.539 --> 00:25:22.019 Or elsewhere in the world. 00:25:24.279 --> 00:25:26.880 Fearing for the day that their door gets kicked in 00:25:26.880 --> 00:25:30.480 and they are dragged to the streets to an almost certain death. 00:25:35.259 --> 00:25:40.120 Their comfort comes from the knowledge that God sees all things. 00:25:40.420 --> 00:25:44.279 That God knows all things. 00:25:45.460 --> 00:25:48.960 And that one day he will right every single wrong 00:25:48.960 --> 00:25:51.180 and hold people to account. 00:25:54.940 --> 00:25:56.740 Genesis 3 speaks of a serpent, 00:25:56.860 --> 00:25:57.140 the devil, 00:25:57.240 --> 00:25:59.940 but it also speaks of a serpent crusher. 00:26:03.960 --> 00:26:05.759 The one who would defeat death, 00:26:05.940 --> 00:26:06.640 sin and the devil 00:26:06.640 --> 00:26:09.779 and make union with God possible again. 00:26:11.340 --> 00:26:14.440 Job 41 speaks about a God who's in control 00:26:14.440 --> 00:26:17.900 and who alone can bring the sword against these beasts 00:26:17.900 --> 00:26:20.259 and render them defeated. 00:26:22.960 --> 00:26:25.620 Revelation speaks about a dragon who bent, 00:26:26.080 --> 00:26:28.440 who is bent on destroying the Lord's people, 00:26:28.620 --> 00:26:30.480 but a dragon who is defeated 00:26:30.480 --> 00:26:32.560 by the completed work of a lamb. 00:26:32.559 --> 00:26:39.740 A sacrificial lamb. 00:26:40.099 --> 00:26:40.579 A sacrificial lamb. 00:26:40.659 --> 00:26:44.519 Who takes on all the suffering that sin deserves. 00:26:45.859 --> 00:26:49.480 The punishment that each and every one of us deserves. 00:26:50.059 --> 00:26:52.079 Who took the punishment of death. 00:26:52.179 --> 00:26:52.419 Jesus, 00:26:52.539 --> 00:26:53.799 the ultimate sacrifice. 00:26:54.319 --> 00:26:56.819 Who took these beasts literally by the horns 00:26:56.819 --> 00:26:58.639 and obliterated them. 00:27:01.740 --> 00:27:04.119 So think back to death and the devil 00:27:04.119 --> 00:27:07.539 being the final terrifying bosses of a video game. 00:27:08.099 --> 00:27:09.279 And imagine that instead, 00:27:09.419 --> 00:27:10.519 when you turn on your console, 00:27:10.639 --> 00:27:12.179 you realize that the worst enemy 00:27:12.179 --> 00:27:14.539 has already been defeated for you. 00:27:14.539 --> 00:27:18.599 Because of the work of Jesus, 00:27:19.680 --> 00:27:21.559 death and devil are not foes 00:27:21.559 --> 00:27:23.339 that we should fear anymore 00:27:23.339 --> 00:27:25.519 because they are defeated enemies 00:27:25.519 --> 00:27:28.259 who have already bowed the knee 00:27:28.259 --> 00:27:31.319 to the ruling and reigning Christ. 00:27:31.319 --> 00:27:34.439 Friends, 00:27:34.519 --> 00:27:35.720 we do not serve a God 00:27:35.720 --> 00:27:36.439 who is helpless 00:27:36.439 --> 00:27:38.519 in the face of suffering and death. 00:27:40.359 --> 00:27:41.919 We do not serve a God 00:27:41.919 --> 00:27:44.419 who quivers as Satan does his work. 00:27:44.539 --> 00:27:45.899 We serve a living God 00:27:45.899 --> 00:27:47.779 who has defeated the devil. 00:27:48.759 --> 00:27:52.039 We serve a ruling and reigning Savior, 00:27:52.240 --> 00:27:53.000 Jesus Christ, 00:27:53.059 --> 00:27:54.339 who has won the battle. 00:27:54.899 --> 00:27:56.799 Who has paid the ultimate price. 00:27:56.879 --> 00:27:57.759 The mighty King 00:27:57.759 --> 00:28:00.599 who alone can save us 00:28:00.599 --> 00:28:03.639 and who controls death and the devil. 00:28:06.459 --> 00:28:07.419 And so if you think, 00:28:07.699 --> 00:28:09.679 if we think that we can do a better job 00:28:09.679 --> 00:28:10.759 than God can, 00:28:11.379 --> 00:28:13.599 we need to look at Jesus 00:28:13.599 --> 00:28:15.519 and say like Job does 00:28:15.519 --> 00:28:17.519 in chapter 42 verses 1 to 6, 00:28:17.579 --> 00:28:19.619 God, I am so, so sorry. 00:28:25.019 --> 00:28:27.919 I have said things that I do not understand. 00:28:27.920 --> 00:28:30.500 I have spoken of things 00:28:30.500 --> 00:28:33.080 that I cannot even begin to comprehend. 00:28:33.779 --> 00:28:34.960 And I turn to you 00:28:34.960 --> 00:28:37.039 and I humbly repent. 00:28:40.200 --> 00:28:41.500 Because brothers and sisters, 00:28:41.620 --> 00:28:43.360 the right response to a grand view 00:28:43.360 --> 00:28:44.860 of God's sovereign control, 00:28:45.060 --> 00:28:46.420 even with our questions, 00:28:46.420 --> 00:28:48.360 even in our suffering, 00:28:48.360 --> 00:28:50.340 even with our pain, 00:28:51.840 --> 00:28:54.160 is seen in Job chapter 42 verse 5, 00:28:54.340 --> 00:28:55.500 where Job says this, 00:28:55.900 --> 00:28:56.500 My eyes, 00:28:56.980 --> 00:28:58.600 my ears had heard of you, 00:28:59.100 --> 00:29:02.279 but now my eyes have seen you. 00:29:03.560 --> 00:29:05.220 Therefore, I despise myself 00:29:05.220 --> 00:29:07.100 and repent in dust and ashes. 00:29:07.099 --> 00:29:08.719 You see, 00:29:08.779 --> 00:29:09.519 before this moment, 00:29:09.639 --> 00:29:11.240 Job had an understanding of God. 00:29:12.039 --> 00:29:13.980 But his suffering had blinded him 00:29:13.980 --> 00:29:15.039 to see God's goodness. 00:29:15.199 --> 00:29:18.659 But now Job sees God for who he is. 00:29:18.919 --> 00:29:21.159 And the natural response 00:29:21.159 --> 00:29:22.959 and the logical conclusion 00:29:22.959 --> 00:29:25.159 to seeing God in all of his splendor 00:29:25.159 --> 00:29:28.119 is humility and repentance. 00:29:28.119 --> 00:29:33.559 The Bible calls us to see God. 00:29:34.879 --> 00:29:36.659 It calls us to see his majesty, 00:29:36.839 --> 00:29:37.939 to see his control, 00:29:38.179 --> 00:29:40.019 to see him in all of his glory 00:29:40.019 --> 00:29:42.039 and to repent and turn to him. 00:29:44.119 --> 00:29:45.039 Friends, if you want to know 00:29:45.039 --> 00:29:45.739 what God is like, 00:29:45.819 --> 00:29:46.459 look to Jesus, 00:29:47.019 --> 00:29:49.379 the founder and perfecter of our faith, 00:29:49.439 --> 00:29:52.119 the one who calmed waves with his words, 00:29:52.639 --> 00:29:54.819 the one who casts out demons 00:29:54.819 --> 00:29:56.159 with power and authority, 00:29:56.160 --> 00:29:58.300 the one who spoke and dead people 00:29:58.300 --> 00:29:59.580 were raised to life. 00:30:00.840 --> 00:30:02.000 The one who even, 00:30:02.120 --> 00:30:03.620 as he was nailed to a cross, 00:30:03.660 --> 00:30:05.420 was in absolute control. 00:30:06.740 --> 00:30:08.340 And the one who rendered Satan, 00:30:08.700 --> 00:30:09.400 the dragon, 00:30:09.700 --> 00:30:11.120 a defeated enemy. 00:30:14.360 --> 00:30:17.620 And all those who call, 00:30:17.759 --> 00:30:19.400 and the one who calls his people 00:30:19.400 --> 00:30:20.820 into a relationship with him 00:30:20.820 --> 00:30:23.800 and a glorious fellowship with God. 00:30:23.799 --> 00:30:26.940 Maybe you're here this morning 00:30:26.940 --> 00:30:27.819 and you're not a Christian. 00:30:28.039 --> 00:30:29.079 Or maybe you're listening in 00:30:29.079 --> 00:30:29.960 and you're not a Christian. 00:30:31.960 --> 00:30:33.419 Maybe you read these descriptions 00:30:33.419 --> 00:30:34.500 of death and the devil 00:30:34.500 --> 00:30:35.579 and you are afraid. 00:30:36.859 --> 00:30:38.000 Because you don't want to face 00:30:38.000 --> 00:30:38.919 those enemies alone. 00:30:41.720 --> 00:30:43.779 Let this be a warning to you this morning. 00:30:44.940 --> 00:30:46.460 That if you reject Jesus, 00:30:47.259 --> 00:30:49.940 you will face death and the devil 00:30:49.940 --> 00:30:51.779 without an advocate by your side. 00:30:53.799 --> 00:30:56.099 But the flip side of that, 00:30:57.099 --> 00:30:59.639 let this also be a call for you 00:30:59.639 --> 00:31:00.539 to see the truth 00:31:00.539 --> 00:31:02.339 that you do not have to face 00:31:02.339 --> 00:31:03.339 these enemies alone. 00:31:04.359 --> 00:31:05.659 Come to Jesus, 00:31:05.879 --> 00:31:06.919 listen to his call 00:31:06.919 --> 00:31:08.119 and follow him and death 00:31:08.119 --> 00:31:08.779 and the devil 00:31:08.779 --> 00:31:11.019 no longer have a claim on you. 00:31:13.079 --> 00:31:15.039 Because Jesus has defeated 00:31:15.039 --> 00:31:17.480 these enemies for his people. 00:31:17.480 --> 00:31:21.000 So we might think 00:31:21.000 --> 00:31:22.599 at times that we can do 00:31:22.599 --> 00:31:23.579 a better job than God, 00:31:23.660 --> 00:31:24.700 but I guarantee you 00:31:24.700 --> 00:31:27.539 that you would not be willing 00:31:27.539 --> 00:31:28.640 to die for a world 00:31:28.640 --> 00:31:29.559 that had rejected you 00:31:29.559 --> 00:31:30.460 from the very beginning. 00:31:32.799 --> 00:31:34.319 And Jesus is the only one 00:31:34.319 --> 00:31:35.279 who has the power 00:31:35.279 --> 00:31:36.700 to defeat our worst enemies 00:31:36.700 --> 00:31:37.660 and make it possible 00:31:37.660 --> 00:31:39.400 for us to be right with God. 00:31:40.440 --> 00:31:42.559 So can you do a better job than God? 00:31:42.599 --> 00:31:43.779 Not a chance. 00:31:43.779 --> 00:31:47.339 Can you save yourself? 00:31:47.460 --> 00:31:48.539 Not in the slightest. 00:31:50.220 --> 00:31:51.740 Can you control evil? 00:31:51.920 --> 00:31:53.779 No, but I know who can. 00:31:55.059 --> 00:31:55.920 Jesus Christ, 00:31:56.019 --> 00:31:57.559 the sacrificial lamb of God 00:31:57.559 --> 00:31:59.019 who has slain the dragon 00:31:59.019 --> 00:32:00.599 and who calls us 00:32:00.599 --> 00:32:01.579 to follow him. 00:32:03.079 --> 00:32:04.099 Let's pray together. 00:32:04.099 --> 00:32:09.759 Heavenly Father, 00:32:09.839 --> 00:32:11.279 as we read these descriptions 00:32:11.279 --> 00:32:13.319 of death and the devil, 00:32:14.740 --> 00:32:18.579 it is natural for us 00:32:18.579 --> 00:32:19.319 to be afraid. 00:32:21.740 --> 00:32:23.899 As we look at suffering 00:32:23.899 --> 00:32:24.619 in our lives 00:32:24.619 --> 00:32:25.919 and past trauma, 00:32:26.119 --> 00:32:27.299 as we look at whatever 00:32:27.299 --> 00:32:29.299 suffering has come our way, 00:32:29.659 --> 00:32:30.819 it is so easy for us 00:32:30.819 --> 00:32:32.779 to think that we can do 00:32:32.779 --> 00:32:33.799 a better job than you. 00:32:34.099 --> 00:32:36.079 But Father, 00:32:36.159 --> 00:32:37.399 I pray that by your spirit 00:32:37.399 --> 00:32:39.339 you would remind us 00:32:39.339 --> 00:32:40.719 every single day 00:32:40.719 --> 00:32:42.319 of your greatness, 00:32:43.000 --> 00:32:44.059 of your glory, 00:32:44.179 --> 00:32:44.919 of your majesty, 00:32:45.059 --> 00:32:46.179 of your splendor. 00:32:47.419 --> 00:32:48.579 And would we know 00:32:48.579 --> 00:32:49.980 the completed work 00:32:49.980 --> 00:32:51.399 of Jesus Christ on the cross? 00:32:53.699 --> 00:32:55.279 And so we can say 00:32:55.279 --> 00:32:57.059 to death, 00:32:57.259 --> 00:32:58.480 where is your sting? 00:32:58.480 --> 00:33:02.099 because we worship 00:33:02.099 --> 00:33:03.539 a risen Savior, 00:33:03.680 --> 00:33:04.420 Jesus Christ. 00:33:06.299 --> 00:33:07.539 And we ask that we would 00:33:07.539 --> 00:33:08.299 glorify him 00:33:08.299 --> 00:33:09.319 with all of our lives. 00:33:10.500 --> 00:33:11.420 In his name 00:33:11.420 --> 00:33:12.559 and for the sake 00:33:12.559 --> 00:33:13.079 of your kingdom, 00:33:13.220 --> 00:33:13.620 we pray. 00:33:14.620 --> 00:33:14.940 Amen. 00:33:14.940 --> 00:33:15.080 Amen.