Remember Job
We have been looking at James 5:7-11
Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. 10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
Today: You have heard of the steadfastness of Job
I was tempted to tie this one into last weeks, but I was afraid it would become to long. So consider this part two.
Remain Steadfast
Remember Job.
James tells us to remain steadfast and then directs us back to Holy Scripture for an example. And what a powerful example it is too. Job was tormented. Job lost almost everything. He lost his children, his wealth, his health, his friends turned on him, and near the end He even calls out to God.
And God answers and in doing so He humbles Job. He reminds Job that ultimately God is a just and righteous judge. He reminds Job that he does not have the wisdom or the knowledge to challenge God. He lacks the understanding of God’s plan or the future to understand God’s will or the present. Because of this, Job must trust God.
Does he believe that God has Job’s best interest in heart?
Does God desire Job’s salvation?
Does God want humanity to be saved?
Does God want you to be saved?
Do you believe Christ died for you?
All of these things are important as we consider our own suffering. And Christ warned us we would suffer:
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
What things did Jesus say? As you prepare for Holy Week I encourage you to read John 16
These are the words of Christ to His disciples who were about to undergo an intense trial.
After you do that I want to leave you with this final thought:
Job died and old man, full of days – and, as Paul would write in his epistle, now he is fully known and knows fully. Now he understands that he suffered, so that billions of people could read his story in churches and synagogues and be comforted and be told that his suffering had a purpose. It brought glory to God’s Kingdom.
So what is the walk away for us?
God doesn’t explain his plan, or owe us an explanation, Instead He reminds us that he has the right to tell His story through our lives. And in doing so, in the midst of our suffering, we may be given the greatest opportunity to proclaim Christ’s love.
Hosanna my friends, God save us.
- Pastor Dan