Well, today…almost unexpectedly it seems we finish Job.
In the last few chapters of the book God continues to answer Job by reminding him of who God is – that nothing can compare to him and his knowledge and his strength…and that basically everything is because of him. “Who has first given it to me, that I should repay him? Whatever is under the whole earth is mine?”
In Chapter 42 Job practices a vital…critical…paramount…really really really important Christian discipline — confession and repentance.
This is not something we do once when we “accept Jesus into our hearts” (gag) – we need to do this each and every day, as we sin each and every day and therefore we need to live in the power of the gospel each and every day. I read from the Valley of Vision this morning and this one phrase caught me in it’s simplicity and accuracy: “My sin is not so much this or that particular evil, but my continual separation, disunion, distance from them, and having a loose spirit towards thee.” Most of us aren’t going to go out today and lie or steal, but as much as those things are sins – God is also as much if not more interested in the states of our hearts. Are they fully devoted to Christ?
Job began to have pride in his heart, began to question God. Yes he suffered tremendous tragedy, and in those moments it is very tempting to question God and think that we know better – but the bottom line is we don’t and he is God. He loves us and is still sovereign. Even in those moments, there is repentance that needs to happen which Job models for us here.
Job in 42 says “I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me which I did not know….therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.”
Now, don’t walk away from that thinking the Bible is telling us to despise ourselves. That word in the Hebrew can also be translated as “reject” so think of it as rejecting your own selfishness and pride. You know…take up your cross, die to yourself?
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
(Matthew 16:24-25 ESV)
Confession and repentance is simply agreeing that you are headed down the wrong path and turning away from the direction you are going and turning towards God in Christ Jesus.
Mark Driscoll this week also spoke of repentance in his message “Jesus and Repentance.” If you can – throw this on your iPod and give this a listen. It’s an hour – but it’s a great word. I strongly encourage you to listen. In there he noted that repentance requires 3 elements:
- Confession – owning up to the wrong and speaking it out loud. Use Biblical words, not man words.
- Contrition – there should be a sense of sadness or seriousness, never glib
- Change – there has to be a change brought about by the Holy Spirit as you stand before Christ and others with a pure heart and a sincere faith
Then we see God restore Job. Which makes me immediately think of 1 Peter 5:10 where God promises to restore us. Now remember that may not mean physical material blessings, but it will always mean right standing before God and a return of the light and the weightless joy that only God can bring only in Christ. Then turn to him in passionate WORSHIP!
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
(1 Peter 5:10 ESV)
Mike Ruel 