773. JOB 13:4. VALUELESS PHYSICIANS.
Job_13:4. Valueless Physicians.
"All Physicians of No Value."’97Job_13:4
Job, who uttered the language of the text, was called to pass through the deep waters of sorrow. He is justly represented before us in holy writ, as an example of what the godly may suffer, and the patience which divine grace can impart in seasons of severest distress. The apostle James thus practically refers to the suffering pious Job: "Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job," &c., Job_13:11. The anguish of his wounded spirit was greatly increased by the unkind, suspicious, and ungenerous reflections of his professed friends. Persons who quite mistook his case, and greatly aggravated his sufferings; no wonder that he exclaimed, "All physicians of no value."
I. The human heart often stands in need of a physician.
II. That most are physicians of no value.
Yet,
III. There is one Physician of incomparable worth.
I. The human heart often stands in need of a physician.
It does so,
1. When awakened to a sense of its true condition.
There is a great difference between our imaginary and real state. Most think they ire whole, or at worst but very partially afflicted with moral evil. The human heart is a proud, ignorant, and boasting heart. Many go about establishing their own righteousness; but when light flashes across the mind, and the sword pierces the spirit, and the arrow of conviction is fastened in the heart’97then earnest anxiety is the result, the real diseased, condemned soul is filled with alarm, disquietude, and prayer. Then the leprous sinner cries, Lord, heal me; the blind sinner, Lord, that I might receive my sight; the sinking, perishing sinner, Lord, save, or I perish. Oh, yes, in that day a physician is earnestly desired.
2. When mourning over the unsubdued evils of our nature.
Sin is forgiven, and the love and dominion destroyed, but it is not annihilated’97crucified, but not dead; there is a warfare carried on between the flesh and the spirit’97between the new and the old man. This is the great affliction of the Christian. How he feels, and laments, and contends against the evils and plague of his own heart! He often exclaims, "Oh, wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me," &c. He needs none to upbraid him; he daily feels and confesses the weaknesses and infirmities of his soul.
3. When passing through painful and distressing visitations.
Often they are heavily laden with sorrow and accumulated troubles. Wave after wave, billow after billow, loss after loss, bereavements, &c., trials, tempests, &c. The spirit wounded, heart sad, soul cast down. Oh, how necessary divine healing and comfort is! How desirable is joy and gladness! How valuable a physician with some healing potion for the broken heart! We notice,
II. That most are physicians of no value.
1. Such are all worldly advisers.
Men of the world naturally recommend worldly remedies. The various scenes of gayety, the assembly-room, the card-table, the fashionable party, &c. What valueless physicians! Who ever found peace, or obtained a good hope, or cast aside their sorrows, by the aid of these? Oh, no, they are all physicians of no value.
2. Such also are all teachers of more morality.
That is, morality instead of Christianity. True religion will ever produce morality but to recommend morality to a sin-sick soul, is like cautioning the dying patient against taking cold. Even perfect righteousness would not blot out the stains of sin. There must be pardon and sanctifying grace. Good works are indispensable as the fruits, but utterly valueless as the root and basis of happiness.
3. We may include also all who elevate particular doctrines as specifics for the human heart.
Right sentiments are of the utmost value, the doctrines of the cross essential.
But the admission or credence of the most essential doctrine is not sufficient for the true health and peace of the soul. A man’s theology may be good, and his soul still in the bonds of sin; his views clear, but his heart sad; his doctrines evangelical, and his spirit joyless. Yet with some this is the alpha, &c. How futile all this to the penitent or struggling Christian, or the sorrowing disciple of Jesus.
4. All created sources are as physicians of no value.
No one can pardon, or save, or bind up, or heal the spirit of his fellow. Not an angel in heaven, &c. How distressed the apostles were, when the people of Lystra would have paid them divine honors! Act_14:11, &c. No, all created intelligences are, to the sin-afflicted and troubled soul of the believer, physicians of no value. We add,
III. There is one physician of incomparable worth.
This is Job’s Redeemer, to whom he looked and in whom he trusted. "Christ is the great and infallible physician," &c.
1. He pardons and heals the soul.
He is exalted to do this. He often did it. It is his prerogative and delight. "They shall call his name Jesus." A wonderful method of healing he hath, &c.
2. Be sanctifies and perfects the work of grace in the heart. "He is the author," &c. "He that hath begun the good work," &c. He says, "My grace is sufficient for thee." He perfects what is lacking, and conforms to his own likeness, &c.
3. He consoles in all the troubles of life. Is the consolation of Israel, the tender shepherd, the unfailing friend. "Let not your heart be troubled," &c. He is our sympathizing high priest.
Application
1. Let other physicians be abandoned. They are all valueless.
2. Let Jesus be consulted and obeyed. Trust in him. He will save, and to the uttermost, all who come unto God by him.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS