“I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” Job 42:5-6.
Jehovah has shown Himself to Job and in so doing has caused Job to see himself. In 2:8 we see Job sitting in the ashes. Now we find him again sitting in the ashes. It is a different Job, however. In the first instance it was a sense of his suffering that brought him low. Now it is a sight of his sin. As we draw near to the close of these studies, I want to consider these verse.
I. SEE HERE THE SUPREME PURPOSE BEHIND ALL OF GOD’S DEALINGS WITH US
God would have us brought nearer to Himself. He is engaged in a great rescue mission. As He brought a people out of Egypt’s bondage and led them to the Promised Land, instructing them on the journey in the truths of His law, so He is undertaking the great task of rescuing and delivering, leading and teaching and finally bringing a people into the promised land of Glory. If we are truly His, then day be day that purpose is being wrought out in our lives. If we are Christ’s flock then He will see to it that we follow His directions.
1. The foundation of this work was laid at Calvary. I Peter 3:18. The removal of our sins was essential for the bringing us to God for that is what keep us apart.
2. The Word of God is employed in this work. We must be instructed if we are to be brought to God. Gen 24:63-67. Instruction is needed. We must grow, I Pet 2:2, II Pet 3:I8.
3. Affliction plays a major part in this work. Ps 119:67, 71, 75. The shepherd’s rod was used to chastise the wayward. Hebs 12:6-12.
II. PROGRESS IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD IS ALWAYS MARKED BY SELF-LOATHING AND HUMILITY
Isa 6:5, Eze 6:9.
1. Self-esteem cannot live in the presence of God. What is it men esteem themselves for. Strength, wisdom, honour, whatever it is comes to nothing in the presence of God. Dan 10:8. Pride is slain. We are watching a death in these verses. Job is laying self in the grave.
2. There is an increasing consciousness of sin. Esteem dims and loathing breaks out. We cannot admire God without seeing our own sin. How far removed this is from the philosophy of self-esteem that is preached everywhere today — the classroom, the workplace, the doctor’s surgery. Confidence in self is the message. It is not the way of God. Philips 3:3.
3. It is in near communion with God that holiness is promoted. You cannot be holy and remain far from God. Holiness is a plant that absolutely needs the light of God’s countenance to grow. Malachi 4:2. II Cor 7:1—note the link with the previous verses and the call for a separating unto God. Going unto God is the continual work of the true believer. It is not the work of just a certain generation in a day of controversy.
III. THE SCENE BEFORE US HAS A SOLEMN MESSAGE FOR SINNERS
1. It is your privilege to hear of God. What an education that is! His mercy, salvation, judgments.
2. Your religion is empty if you have not seen God. If hearing of God is the sum of your religion you are yet lost and in your sin. When the gospel is believed there is a seeing of God. II Cor 4:3-6, John 14:9, Hosea 6:3. Instruction has had its way when we see. Seed has been received into the ground when it brings forth its likeness.
3. There is a day coming when the unbeliever shall see God. It will not bring repentance and confession but consternation and inconsolable grief. Rev 6:14-17. Here is the cry of the LOST.