705. JOB 15:11. ELIPHAZ’S IMPORTANT INTERROGATION. [NO. VIII.]

Job_15:11. Eliphaz’s Important Interrogation. [No. VIII.]

"Are the consolations of God small with thee?"’97Job_15:11.

To Job the question was one of peculiar moment; and there is no class of subjects so invariably seasonable, as those which relate to the comfort of God’s people.

So truly is this life a scene of sorrow’97so truly is man born to trouble, that distress and grief are ever-casting their darkening shadows over the pathway of mankind.

Perhaps, if I were to ask each one in the presence of God, Are you entirely free from trouble, are you full of joy? There are few could answer in the affirmative. Some root of bitterness’97some withering gourd’97some crook in the lot, would be the experience of most.

Let us enter, then, on this important subject, and press on you the inquiry of the text: "Are the consolations," &c.

We observe,

That the Christian stands in need of consolation.

That in God abundant consolation is provided; and,

Account why, notwithstanding this, the consolations of God’s people are sometimes small.

I. That the Christian stands in need of consolation.

Now this is evident, if you consider,

1. The character of the world in which he is placed.

It is a wilderness. Dreary desert. An enemy’s country. The seat of Satan. So that Christ said, "In the world ye shall have tribulation." No going through it without. The testimony and experience of all the good, in every age, establishes this.

2. The enemies with whom he has to contend.

The Christian’s life is a warfare. Enemies without, and fears within. Flesh and blood. The unslain foes of the heart, and principalities and powers, &c. "Your adversary the devil," &c. "Simon, Simon, Satan desireth to have thee."

3. The afflictions and troubles of life. They are various, many, and often severe.

Personal’97domestic’97in the church’97in the world’97losses and crosses’97bereavements, &c.

4. Inward despondency and weakness.

"O God, my soul is cast down," &c. Often hope seems to have fled. Faith scarcely appears as a grain of mustard seed. Desires dead’97mind oppressed, &c. Oh, this is a state of extreme trial: the Psalmist experienced it, when he exclaimed, "Has the Lord forgotten to be gracious? Is his mercy clean gone forever?"

Now we remark,

II. That in God there is abundant consolation.

He is styled the God of comfort’97the God of consolation. As he is the source of light, so he is also of all peace and joy.

1. There is consolation in God’s name. His name as proclaimed to Moses. Ex. xxxiv. 6.

2. There is consolation in his nature.

God is love. Pure,’97unbounded,’97infinite and eternal love! Not wrath’97not vengeance, &c.

3. There is consolation in his relationship to us.

He is our God, &c. Our Creator’97preserver’97Redeemer. But he is our Father, by adoption and grace. "I will be a Father," &c. He allows us to say, "Our Father," &c.

4. There is consolation in his promises.

"Whereby are given to us exceeding great," &c. Promises suited to all classes, ages, states, trials, &c.

5. There is consolation in his providences.

His government has especial reference to his own children. They are the objects of express and peculiar kindness. They are his delight’97his treasure’97his jewels. God is ever caring for them. All things work together for their good.

6. There is consolation in the provisions he has made for them.

Provisions of grace here’97unsearchable riches of grace. Provisions of glory hereafter’97eternal glory, &c. So that all things pertaining to present and eternal happiness are prepared for those who love him; so that "eye hath not seen, nor ear heard," &c. Let us, then,

III. Assign some reasons why, notwithstanding this, the consolations of God’s people are sometimes small.

It is clear that there can be no reason connected with God, neither as to his will or ability. He is ever ready, and ever able to comfort.

1. It often arises from the imperfection of our nature.

It is so connected with frailty and weakness. There must be a connection between moral debility and imperfect enjoyment. Entire holiness would be entire bliss. So that our imperfect state is one of the great reasons of our imperfect, or interrupted enjoyments.

It arises often,

2. From our weak graces.

There is consolation in God; but faith is too dim, and hope too languid to receive it. "If ye have not," &c. "Ask and receive," &c. There may be clouds and darkness, and strong faith only can pierce through them. There may be a tempest, and rough sea, &c.; so that faith and a strong confidence can only walk thereon.

3. From neglect of the appointed means.

God will console in the way of his appointments’97in the sanctuary’97in the closet’97in meditation, &c.’97At his table. But, alas! how often we are absent. God is true and faithful, but we are not.

4. From depending on other sources. God’s consolations are in himself. He may make creatures and ordinances the channels, but he is the great and only fountain. How often we rely on the instrument’97on the minister’97on the friend’97on the ordinance, &c.; but God is not recognized or honored.

5. From not honoring the only way of access to him.

He demands that all must be by and through Christ. Jesus in his divine offices and work must be honored’97and always, and in every thing.

6. From neglecting his Holy Spirit.

We need the mediation of Christ in heaven; but we equally need the Holy Spirit in our hearts. His presence must be sought and cherished. We must live, and walk, and serve God, in the spirit. Have we not often neglected, slighted, and grieved? &c.

Application

1. Learn where true consolation is to be found. "In God."

2. Learn how it is to be obtained. By faith, and through Christ Jesus our Lord.

3. Learn to what our despondings and griefs are chiefly traceable. Our weak nesses and sins.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS