7th Sunday after Trinity – Sermon 131

13th February 2011 Off By Derek Buckthorpe

Prayer to start

May the words of my lips and the thoughts of our hearts be graciously received for the Glory and Honour of our Lord Jesus Christ.

AMEN

Introduction

Being an Engineer – and a Mechanical one at that –
I like to know how things work – expect most things to have a logical sequence to them –

If I’ve a task to do – or something to prepare –I’ll approach it in a very mechanical way – follow a set pattern -of preparation – do what I can to make sure of a successful outcome

We all like to be sure of things – sure we are doing the right thing –-sure we are accepted by God –sure – that our sins really are forgiven – and they won’t come back to haunt us –

Sure – that we will be with God – when we die

We know God loves us – but does He like us?

Does He approve of what we are doing?

 
Point 1    Job – Faith-

As Keith pointed out to us last week- the Book of Job – looks at some of life’s most difficult questions –

its written – almost like a court room drama –
The storyline is literally squeezed into the first two chapters and the last chapter – and in between – we have what amounts to – a series of – speeches – first from one side and then from the other –

For most of the book – Job sits in his defenders chair – listening to his friend’s explanation about what he should or shouldn’t do – to settle his problems –

But there are some key moments – when important truths are revealed – when the light shines through – and the passage we heard this evening – is one of them –

So – the court is in session – God has taken His seat –

The prosecutor satan has inflicted his worst – the three witnesses for the defense – his friends – have changed sides – and are now openly attacking Job

Bildad – one of the three – had just had his second turn – and Job stands up to reply –

If I’ve sinned –said Job- then surely – its between me and God – why are you adding to my torture? –

Job feels trapped – by them and by God – ‘He has blocked my path’ said Job, ‘regards me as his enemy’ – ‘its as if he has entangled me in a net’as if he’s – entangled in a net –

Even so – Job’s faith is still strong – but this adds to his suffering – because he sees God’s hand in all that’s happened to him –

In this lonely state he asks for pity – If he can’t get a not guilty verdict – then – at least –he wants – his case written down – so that others – in the future – might appreciate his plight –

And then – just as he touches rock bottom – his faith leads him on to a new hope – and turning point

in a moment of revelation -Job suddenly cries out

“But I know … my vindicator lives – and He will rise last to speak in court

– as Martin Luthur King put it – “He climbed to the top of the mountain – and saw – the other side”

Job realized – that he cannot stand before God – in his own righteousness – blameless behaviour is not enough – a redeemer witness – is needed – to argue his case – and that –that witness is non-other than God Himself –

“I shall discern my witness standing at my side – see my defending council – even God Himself –
whom I shall see with my own eyes – I myself and no other”

Job is certain of his innocence – he’s also certain that – death is not the end – he will personally – see his redeemer – and His God –

From here on this revelation will be his reference point – and he will keep coming back to it – when the pressure becomes unbearable –

But Job has only realized half the story – He knows God will be there for him –

But he could never imagine – some years later – that God would provide – this kinsman from within His own Trinity – His only Son – Jesus Christ – who will be the means of reconciling generations to come – to God –

Which leads us on to our NT lesson – where the court is in session again – but this time – its the role of the Jesus that’s under discussion

 

Point 2    Hebrews – God’s Covenant of Grace

The author of Hebrews – uses all the familiar images from Jewish Theology – to explain that Jesus’ role in our redemption – is not man made –

He is our “High Priest – who has taken His seat at the throne of the Majesty in heaven – –

a minister in the real sanctuary – a tent set up by the Lord – not by man”

“If He were on earth – He would not be a priest – at all …..the ministry Jesus has been given is superior to theirs ……. He is the mediator of a better covenant ….. established on better promises”

The word – Covenant – is used to describe a – commitment – that– God has established – between Himself – and His people – a promise – to maintain a relationship with us – despite our sins and frailty

The Old covenant – brought through Moses was good – but there were limits to its success – it was based on obedience to external laws – and the people of Israel – were unable to keep their side of the bargain –

The new Covenant is written in the hearts of believers – not on tablets of stone – giving an inner compulsion to obey and please God –

The OT priests were the link between God and the ordinary man and woman – and access to God was limited – only the High Priest could enter the most holy place to meet with God once a year –

The latin word for Priest is ‘pontifex’ which means bridge builder –

In the New Covenant – Jesus has built the ultimate bridge for us – with Him as our mediator – we can walk confidently into the Holy of holies – and enjoy the full benefit of God’s presence –

God’s New covenant of Grace – is God’s fee gift of Spiritual life – to all who receive His Son – Jesus Christ –

Jesus replaced all the procedures and paraphernalia of the old with His own body – He gave His – life for us – in one decisive act – which was accepted by God as eternally sufficient for us and for the forgiveness of our sins

For many – their understanding of Christianity – is still stuck in the OT – they think of rules- of do’s and don’t’s – but the old is now obsolete – from now on peace with God – comes only through our relationship with Jesus – and the sacrifice He made for us on the cross –

 

Ending

As Job found out – in the war against satan – we are not alone – We have a heavenly redeemer and Saviour – who will stand by us –

Today – we know who that redeemer is – Jesus Christ – and through Him – there is a better way

If we are prepared to accept and respond to the sacrifice He’s made for us – then we will be welcomed by God – and guided by Him always –

and there can be nothing more re-assuring than that

 

Prayer to finish

In the name of the Father Son and Holy Spirit

AMEN

Video of Sermon 131 on You Tube