“He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not; he will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light,” Job 33:27-28.

The ways of God are unchanging. The disposition of man is unchanging. Both truths are demonstrated here.

The chapter traces the dealings of God with man. Bear in mind that we are reading that which was spoken at least 4000 years ago. It differs not in essence from the gospel of Christ that we strive to preach in this pulpit.

14—It is God Who initiates contact with ignorant unperceiving man.

16—Grace must open man’s ears if he is to hear.

17-18—God must intervene or man would press on to hell and damnation.

19-23—Chastening makes the sinner ready to listen to God.

24—Forgiveness is granted on the basis of the atonement of Christ.

25-26—The wonderful recovery the sinner makes under God’s blessing.

Our text, verses 27-28, gives us the general rule by which God works when dealing with sinners, be it 4000 years ago or this morning.

Consider these verses:—

I. THE WATCHING EYE OF GOD

He looketh upon men. He is especially watching those with whom He has been dealing. The troubled conscience, the chastened soul. God looks to see the response of the sinner.

1. He watches intently. The word bears the meaning, to inspect. Here is the eye of the prodigal’s father.
2. He watches especially when His word is preached. When should God more reasonably expect a response from the sinner?
3. He watches compassionately. He watches with no pleasure in the rejection of mercy. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! Luke 13:34. And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, Luke 19:41. Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? Ezekiel 33:11. Psalm 32:5-6.

II. THE LISTENING EAR OF GOD

God does not hear every prayer. And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood, Isaiah 1:15. But the prayer of the penitent God will hear. And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear, Isaiah 65:24. Consider the nature of true repentance.

1. A full acknowledgement of sin. Man is by nature an excuse maker. He will excuse himself and blame God! And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat, Genesis 3:12.
2. An owning of the perversion of sin. What Adam’s sin did to the Garden of Eden is repeated, in part, in every sinner’s life. Our waywardness turns that which is for our good and comfort into thorns and thistles. The gospel was intended for man’s good. Man makes it an instrument of damnation. I Cor 1:18, 23-24; II Cor 2:16; I Pet 2:7-8.
3. A humble acknowledging of our folly. It profited me nothing. There is nothing laid by as a result of sin.What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death, Romans 6:21. Matt 13:22, Eph 5:11.

III. THE SAVING HAND OF GOD

1. God’s touch is experienced upon the soul. Deut 7:8. He puts forth His hand and takes hold upon our lives. John 10:28-29. Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth, Ps 31:5.
2. The soul is ­rescued. From the pit of sin, the pit of destruction, and ruin and from the pit of hell. John 5:24.
3. Light is his lasting portion of the true convert. Here is what happens at conversion, Acts 26:13, 18; II Cor 4:6. We are going to a kingdom of light, Col 1:12-13; I Pet 2:9.

But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day, Proverbs 4:18.