Sermon for April 7th, 2019

Job 38:11-4

1Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind: 2 “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? 3 Gird up your loins like a man, I will question you, and you shall declare to me. 4 “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?

Two Preachers and a Trucker: God

JOB: There's an old sayin': "Be careful what you pray for; God just might give it to you." Well, he gave it to me alright. For so long back in those days, I was angry at God and at the world on account of everything I'd lost. All I wanted--leastwise all I *thought* I wanted--was to stand before him, for him to look me in the eye and give me a straight answer to all my questions. Why me? Why this? Why now? Why, God... WHY?

But here's the thing: If you really want God to answer all your questions... You oughta be prepared, 'cause he might have a few questions for you. Questions you might not want to answer. After all, turnabout's fair play, ain't it? Be careful what you pray for; God just might give it to you.

CALVIN: Perhaps God speaks to us in different ways, at different times, and through different people and circumstances. Is it not possible that God was already speaking to you, through the voice of your three friends?

JOB: I didn't care much for anything those three had to say, either.

CALVIN: The words of your friends spoke of the foundations of religion, the providence of God, the justice of God and the sinfulness of God's people. There is nothing in their words that is not pure truth, even if these words were not put to the best possible use, at the best possible time. Sometimes, in our grief and anger, it becomes impossible for us to hear anything God wishes to speak to us, whether through circumstances or through the imperfect words of our brothers and sisters. Honestly, Monsieur Joe Bob, was there anything that anyone could have said to adequately console you in your grief?

JOB: No.

CALVIN: Did God's words, ultimately, console you either?

JOB: No. God's words changed me, convicted me...but they didn't console me. Only time and distance could do that, and even then, not completely. Still.

NEAL:

NEAL: Communion