Innocent Suffering - Don Carson

insights from the place of innocent insights from the place of innocent suffering. suffering. suffering. Insights from the place of innocent Insights from the place of innocent Insights from the place of innocent suffering. And now we're going to focus suffering. And now we're going to focus suffering. And now we're going to focus on the book of Job. Now, in one sense, of course, from what Now, in one sense, of course, from what we've already said, there is no such we've already said, there is no such we've already said, there is no such thing as innocent suffering in an thing as innocent suffering in an thing as innocent suffering in an absolute sense. Otherwise, you can't make sense of the Otherwise, you can't make sense of the first pillar. first pillar. first pillar. Yet, there is lots of reflection in scripture there is lots of reflection in scripture on innocent suffering in some lesser on innocent suffering in some lesser on innocent suffering in some lesser sense. sense. sense. And no book reflects on it more And no book reflects on it more And no book reflects on it more probingly than the drama of Job. It's probingly than the drama of Job. It's probingly than the drama of Job. It's cast as an epic. cast as an epic. cast as an epic. Oh, I'm sure that Job is a real Oh, I'm sure that Job is a real Oh, I'm sure that Job is a real historical figure, but it's cast as a as historical figure, but it's cast as a as historical figure, but it's cast as a as a drama and an an epic that forces us to a drama and an an epic that forces us to a drama and an an epic that forces us to think through the principles that are think through the principles that are think through the principles that are involved.

involved. involved. I'm sure that many in this room have I'm sure that many in this room have I'm sure that many in this room have read the book of Job, thought it through read the book of Job, thought it through read the book of Job, thought it through at some level or another, but let me at some level or another, but let me at some level or another, but let me recast it for you. It's important to recast it for you. It's important to recast it for you. It's important to think through what is and is not said in think through what is and is not said in think through what is and is not said in the book of Job. the book of Job. the book of Job. The book begins in chapter 1 with an The book begins in chapter 1 with an The book begins in chapter 1 with an introduction to the man. introduction to the man. introduction to the man. He is a righteous man. We're told the He is a righteous man. We're told the He is a righteous man. We're told the Hebrew word is tum, often used for Hebrew word is tum, often used for Hebrew word is tum, often used for perfect. perfect. perfect. No, it doesn't mean he's sinlessly No, it doesn't mean he's sinlessly No, it doesn't mean he's sinlessly perfect. That's not the point. He is perfect. That's not the point. He is perfect. That's not the point. He is he's just as good as they get. When when he's just as good as they get. When when he's just as good as they get. When when you find out more about him as as as you you find out more about him as as as you you find out more about him as as as you read on in the book, he is a remarkable read on in the book, he is a remarkable read on in the book, he is a remarkable man. He prays preemptively for his 10 man. He prays preemptively for his 10 man. He prays preemptively for his 10 children. That is, he doesn't wait till children. That is, he doesn't wait till children. That is, he doesn't wait till they sin and then say, "Oh, dear Lord, they sin and then say, "Oh, dear Lord, they sin and then say, "Oh, dear Lord, forgive them." He's praying preemptively forgive them." He's praying preemptively forgive them." He's praying preemptively for them lest they should ever sin in for them lest they should ever sin in for them lest they should ever sin in their hearts in any respect. their hearts in any respect. their hearts in any respect. Later on, you discover, for example, Later on, you discover, for example, Later on, you discover, for example, that he's made a covenant with his eyes that he's made a covenant with his eyes that he's made a covenant with his eyes that he will never lust after a young that he will never lust after a young that he will never lust after a young woman. This is an astonishing man.

And if there were any that were poor in And if there were any that were poor in his neighborhood, he made sure that he his neighborhood, he made sure that he his neighborhood, he made sure that he provided for them. provided for them. provided for them. On every arena that you can think about, On every arena that you can think about, On every arena that you can think about, this was a good man and filthy rich and this was a good man and filthy rich and this was a good man and filthy rich and all of that, but generous with it. The all of that, but generous with it. The all of that, but generous with it. The richest man in the east, how big a turf richest man in the east, how big a turf richest man in the east, how big a turf that covered, we have no way of knowing. that covered, we have no way of knowing. that covered, we have no way of knowing. But just read the the accounts of his But just read the the accounts of his But just read the the accounts of his cattle, his sheep, and his his donkeys cattle, his sheep, and his his donkeys cattle, his sheep, and his his donkeys and so forth at a time when when money and so forth at a time when when money and so forth at a time when when money was measured by animals. was measured by animals. was measured by animals. But unbeknownst to him, there comes a time when the Satan, there comes a time when the Satan, that's what he's called, Satan actually that's what he's called, Satan actually that's what he's called, Satan actually comes before God and comes before God and comes before God and offers God as it were a wager. That's offers God as it were a wager. That's offers God as it were a wager. That's the way the drama is set up. the way the drama is set up. the way the drama is set up. And God says, saying, "Have you consider And God says, saying, "Have you consider And God says, saying, "Have you consider considered my servant Job? If you you considered my servant Job? If you you considered my servant Job? If you you want to see what what a righteous human want to see what what a righteous human want to see what what a righteous human being looks like, this is as good as it being looks like, this is as good as it being looks like, this is as good as it gets. If you considered him and Satan gets. If you considered him and Satan gets. If you considered him and Satan says, "Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. You says, "Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. You says, "Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. You protect him. You give him money. He lots protect him. You give him money. He lots protect him. You give him money. He lots of wealth. He's he's he's he's he's of wealth. He's he's he's he's he's of wealth. He's he's he's he's he's protected all around by your protected all around by your protected all around by your sovereignty. You know, I can't even get sovereignty. You know, I can't even get sovereignty. You know, I can't even get at him and destroy him."

at him and destroy him." at him and destroy him." No wonder he thanks you. He knows what No wonder he thanks you. He knows what No wonder he thanks you. He knows what side his bread is buttered on. side his bread is buttered on. side his bread is buttered on. God says, "Go ahead, take it all away. God says, "Go ahead, take it all away. God says, "Go ahead, take it all away. Let's see what happens then. just don't Let's see what happens then. just don't Let's see what happens then. just don't touch the man. touch the man. touch the man. So in an array of accidents, So in an array of accidents, So in an array of accidents, marauding Calaldanss, marauding surveillance, all of his herds marauding surveillance, all of his herds are stripped away. Then a horrible storm are stripped away. Then a horrible storm are stripped away. Then a horrible storm comes up and the house where his 10 comes up and the house where his 10 comes up and the house where his 10 children are partying collapses and children are partying collapses and children are partying collapses and they're all crushed to death. they're all crushed to death. they're all crushed to death. And Job says, "The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. "The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." I was at a church on the West Coast I was at a church on the West Coast three or four years ago. three or four years ago. three or four years ago. The Sunday that I was there The Sunday that I was there The Sunday that I was there was the Sunday after the 18-year-old son was the Sunday after the 18-year-old son was the Sunday after the 18-year-old son of one of the elders had committed of one of the elders had committed of one of the elders had committed suicide.

And the congregation stood and sang that And the congregation stood and sang that well-known Michael Redmond piece. You well-known Michael Redmond piece. You well-known Michael Redmond piece. You give and take away. You give and take give and take away. You give and take give and take away. You give and take away. My heart resolves to say blessed away. My heart resolves to say blessed away. My heart resolves to say blessed be the name of the Lord. be the name of the Lord. be the name of the Lord. And this we're told Job did not sin or And this we're told Job did not sin or And this we're told Job did not sin or curse God foolishly. That's what we're curse God foolishly. That's what we're curse God foolishly. That's what we're told. told. told. And then Satan comes back and he says, And then Satan comes back and he says, And then Satan comes back and he says, "Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. But any anybody "Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. But any anybody "Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. But any anybody can still be pious if they've got their can still be pious if they've got their can still be pious if they've got their health at least health at least health at least take away their health. Yeah, you take take away their health. Yeah, you take take away their health. Yeah, you take that away. God and Joel will turn around that away. God and Joel will turn around that away. God and Joel will turn around and curse you to your face." God says, "Go ahead. God says, "Go ahead. afflict him, spare his life. afflict him, spare his life. afflict him, spare his life. When he breaks out with soores and When he breaks out with soores and When he breaks out with soores and scabs, he sits on an ash pit in the scabs, he sits on an ash pit in the scabs, he sits on an ash pit in the dreitus of his life. Takes a piece of dreitus of his life. Takes a piece of dreitus of his life. Takes a piece of broken pottery to scratch himself.

Then his three friends arrive, Then his three friends arrive, acquaintances from former years. acquaintances from former years. acquaintances from former years. They fly in. They see the wretched man. They fly in. They see the wretched man. They fly in. They see the wretched man. They do one wise thing. They sit with They do one wise thing. They sit with They do one wise thing. They sit with him and say nothing for a whole week. And then the theological debate that And then the theological debate that constitutes the drama of Job begins. constitutes the drama of Job begins. constitutes the drama of Job begins. Job, Job, Job, do you believe that God is good? do you believe that God is good? do you believe that God is good? Yes. Yes. Yes. Do you believe that God is sovereign? Do you believe that God is sovereign? Do you believe that God is sovereign? Yes. Yes. Yes. Do you believe that God is just? Do you believe that God is just? Do you believe that God is just? Yes. Yes. Yes. Then Then Then if you're suffering like this, must it if you're suffering like this, must it if you're suffering like this, must it not be because you're being punished for not be because you're being punished for not be because you're being punished for something? something? something? Whoa. Job says, "Wait a minute. Whoa. Job says, "Wait a minute. Whoa. Job says, "Wait a minute. Uh, Uh, Uh, human beings are born to trouble as human beings are born to trouble as human beings are born to trouble as sparks fly upward. sparks fly upward. sparks fly upward. I I know that God is good and I know I I know that God is good and I know I I know that God is good and I know that God is sovereign. I'm not doubting that God is sovereign. I'm not doubting that God is sovereign. I'm not doubting that. But that. But that. But but quite frankly, I don't deserve this.

but quite frankly, I don't deserve this. but quite frankly, I don't deserve this. Wait a minute, Joe. Are you challenging Wait a minute, Joe. Are you challenging Wait a minute, Joe. Are you challenging the fairness of God? the fairness of God? the fairness of God? I mean, if God is sovereign and God is I mean, if God is sovereign and God is I mean, if God is sovereign and God is good, good, good, then then then you can't be suffering like this unless you can't be suffering like this unless you can't be suffering like this unless in some sense you deserve it. Or else in some sense you deserve it. Or else in some sense you deserve it. Or else you're imputing the justice of God. Don't you think that what you ought to Don't you think that what you ought to do is admit your sinfulness? do is admit your sinfulness? do is admit your sinfulness? Job says, "I know that God is sovereign and I know "I know that God is sovereign and I know that God is good, but quite frankly, that God is good, but quite frankly, that God is good, but quite frankly, what's happening to me is not fair. I what's happening to me is not fair. I what's happening to me is not fair. I know that, too. I can't put all this know that, too. I can't put all this know that, too. I can't put all this together, but but what's happening to me together, but but what's happening to me together, but but what's happening to me is is not right. It's it's it's it's not is is not right. It's it's it's it's not is is not right. It's it's it's it's not fair. In fact, if you push me hard fair. In fact, if you push me hard fair. In fact, if you push me hard enough, what I really wish is is is for enough, what I really wish is is is for enough, what I really wish is is is for God to come down so that I could ask him God to come down so that I could ask him God to come down so that I could ask him a few questions. I I don't want to deny a few questions. I I don't want to deny a few questions. I I don't want to deny that God is good. But boy, have I got that God is good. But boy, have I got that God is good. But boy, have I got some questions to ask him. Oh, this is shocking. You are going to Oh, this is shocking. You are going to stand in judgment of God.

stand in judgment of God. stand in judgment of God. He's sovereign. He's sovereign. He's sovereign. He's righteous. He's righteous. He's righteous. And if you have the attitude that you're And if you have the attitude that you're And if you have the attitude that you're going to ask him questions, you you going to ask him questions, you you going to ask him questions, you you really are impuging his goodness or his really are impuging his goodness or his really are impuging his goodness or his greatness or his sovereignty somewhere, greatness or his sovereignty somewhere, greatness or his sovereignty somewhere, aren't you? aren't you? aren't you? I don't know about that. Job says, "But I don't know about that. Job says, "But I don't know about that. Job says, "But I do know that there are times when I I do know that there are times when I I do know that there are times when I wish I had a lawyer." wish I had a lawyer." wish I had a lawyer." That's what he says. I wish I had a That's what he says. I wish I had a That's what he says. I wish I had a mediator, somebody to go between. I I mediator, somebody to go between. I I mediator, somebody to go between. I I can't go up to heaven to have a we chat can't go up to heaven to have a we chat can't go up to heaven to have a we chat with him. He's not coming back down with him. He's not coming back down with him. He's not coming back down here. He's hiding his face from me. I I here. He's hiding his face from me. I I here. He's hiding his face from me. I I I I don't have the answers to all of I I don't have the answers to all of I I don't have the answers to all of this, but I sure wish I had a lawyer, this, but I sure wish I had a lawyer, this, but I sure wish I had a lawyer, some sort of mediator to go between God some sort of mediator to go between God some sort of mediator to go between God and me. Oh, at one level though, he's and me. Oh, at one level though, he's and me. Oh, at one level though, he's slay me. Yet, will I trust him? At slay me. Yet, will I trust him? At slay me. Yet, will I trust him? At another level, I wish I had him to hold another level, I wish I had him to hold another level, I wish I had him to hold to account because what's happening to to account because what's happening to to account because what's happening to me is not fair. Joe, you're blaspheing. me is not fair. Joe, you're blaspheing. me is not fair. Joe, you're blaspheing. You're right on the edge of the most You're right on the edge of the most You're right on the edge of the most horrible language to to talk about God horrible language to to talk about God horrible language to to talk about God being unfair. being unfair. being unfair. Don't you understand that our sins are Don't you understand that our sins are Don't you understand that our sins are such slippery things. They hide in such such slippery things. They hide in such such slippery things. They hide in such dark little corners. But believe me, dark little corners. But believe me, dark little corners. But believe me, God's knowledge of your sin is so God's knowledge of your sin is so God's knowledge of your sin is so absolute. He He remembers sins that you absolute. He He remembers sins that you absolute. He He remembers sins that you have committed that you can't even have committed that you can't even have committed that you can't even remember with your your your brain. What remember with your your your brain. What remember with your your your brain. What what you've got to do is is is is just what you've got to do is is is is just what you've got to do is is is is just even if you don't know that there are even if you don't know that there are even if you don't know that there are sins, even if you can't think of sins, even if you can't think of sins, even if you can't think of specific sins that you've committed, specific sins that you've committed, specific sins that you've committed, what you really ought to do is just sort what you really ought to do is just sort what you really ought to do is just sort of confess them in general terms because of confess them in general terms because of confess them in general terms because at least I would acknowledge that God is at least I would acknowledge that God is at least I would acknowledge that God is right and you're not. If you say that right and you're not. If you say that right and you're not. If you say that you believe that God is sovereign and you believe that God is sovereign and you believe that God is sovereign and and and God is good and and and you're and and God is good and and and you're and and God is good and and and you're being punished like this, it must be being punished like this, it must be being punished like this, it must be because of sin in your life. So just get

because of sin in your life. So just get because of sin in your life. So just get down on your knees right now. We'll down on your knees right now. We'll down on your knees right now. We'll we'll kneel with you and have a little we'll kneel with you and have a little we'll kneel with you and have a little prayer time and and you can confess all prayer time and and you can confess all prayer time and and you can confess all your sins before God. All the sins that your sins before God. All the sins that your sins before God. All the sins that you don't remember and all the sins that you don't remember and all the sins that you don't remember and all the sins that you might have done and all the sins you might have done and all the sins you might have done and all the sins that he knows about that you can't quite that he knows about that you can't quite that he knows about that you can't quite recall, just confess them all before the recall, just confess them all before the recall, just confess them all before the Lord and the Lord will restore to you Lord and the Lord will restore to you Lord and the Lord will restore to you all the blessings that would then be all the blessings that would then be all the blessings that would then be yours. yours. yours. Job says, "How can I possibly confess Job says, "How can I possibly confess Job says, "How can I possibly confess things that I don't know about? If I do things that I don't know about? If I do things that I don't know about? If I do that, then I'm treating God as if he's that, then I'm treating God as if he's that, then I'm treating God as if he's just some some sort of blessing just some some sort of blessing just some some sort of blessing dispenser and and I just want the dispenser and and I just want the dispenser and and I just want the blessings. So, I'll just confess sins. blessings. So, I'll just confess sins. blessings. So, I'll just confess sins. I'll say anything so long as I get more I'll say anything so long as I get more I'll say anything so long as I get more blessings." But but but how can I do blessings." But but but how can I do blessings." But but but how can I do that? I would be dishonest. I I don't I that? I would be dishonest. I I don't I that? I would be dishonest. I I don't I am not aware of a whole lot of sins that am not aware of a whole lot of sins that am not aware of a whole lot of sins that I should really confess. I mean, how how I should really confess. I mean, how how I should really confess. I mean, how how can I do that without being dishonest can I do that without being dishonest can I do that without being dishonest before God? He goes on for chapters before God? He goes on for chapters before God? He goes on for chapters justifying himself. justifying himself. justifying himself. And then there's a fourth party that And then there's a fourth party that And then there's a fourth party that gets involved in the whole debate. I gets involved in the whole debate. I gets involved in the whole debate. I won't go into all the fine points. And won't go into all the fine points. And won't go into all the fine points. And then eventually God speaks. And for two chapters, chapter 3839, God And for two chapters, chapter 3839, God speaks and he asks rhetorical questions.

speaks and he asks rhetorical questions. speaks and he asks rhetorical questions. Job, have you ever designed a snowflake? have you ever designed a snowflake? What's that got to do with anything? Were you around when I cast the Were you around when I cast the constellation Orion into the heavens? H Have you ever designed a hippopotamus, Have you ever designed a hippopotamus, Job? Hm. Job? Hm. Job? Hm. Did you make this planet and suspend it Did you make this planet and suspend it Did you make this planet and suspend it in space and draw the boundaries where in space and draw the boundaries where in space and draw the boundaries where the sea is and where the land is? Job, the sea is and where the land is? Job, the sea is and where the land is? Job, have you done that? Question after have you done that? Question after have you done that? Question after question of this sort. question of this sort. question of this sort. So, at the beginning of chapter 40, Job So, at the beginning of chapter 40, Job So, at the beginning of chapter 40, Job says, says, says, "I obviously spoke too soon. I obviously "I obviously spoke too soon. I obviously "I obviously spoke too soon. I obviously I there all kinds of things I don't I there all kinds of things I don't I there all kinds of things I don't know. I I I I I'd like to back off and know. I I I I I'd like to back off and know. I I I I I'd like to back off and and I I'm I'm I'm I'm sorry I've spoken and I I'm I'm I'm I'm sorry I've spoken and I I'm I'm I'm I'm sorry I've spoken like that. like that. like that. And God says, "Stand up on your feet And God says, "Stand up on your feet And God says, "Stand up on your feet like a man. I'm not finished yet. I got like a man. I'm not finished yet. I got like a man. I'm not finished yet. I got some more questions." And he asks some more questions." And he asks some more questions." And he asks another chapter and a half of these another chapter and a half of these another chapter and a half of these rhetorical questions. You know, what rhetorical questions. You know, what rhetorical questions. You know, what about the storehouses of the hail, Job?

about the storehouses of the hail, Job? about the storehouses of the hail, Job? Do you know how that all comes about? Do you know how that all comes about? Do you know how that all comes about? Did you put the moon to rotate as it Did you put the moon to rotate as it Did you put the moon to rotate as it does? Did you do that? Another chapter does? Did you do that? Another chapter does? Did you do that? Another chapter and a half until at the very end. What and a half until at the very end. What and a half until at the very end. What does Job say after God has finished does Job say after God has finished does Job say after God has finished talking? Does he say, talking? Does he say, talking? Does he say, "Ah, now I understand." Nope. Nope. He says, He says, He says, "I repent." Now, you need to understand what he's Now, you need to understand what he's repenting of. He is not following the advice of the He is not following the advice of the so-called friends, the miserable so-called friends, the miserable so-called friends, the miserable comforters. comforters. comforters. He's not repenting of some puditive evil He's not repenting of some puditive evil He's not repenting of some puditive evil that he can't remember in order to swing that he can't remember in order to swing that he can't remember in order to swing God's favor back to him. God's favor back to him. God's favor back to him. What he's repenting of is the attitude What he's repenting of is the attitude What he's repenting of is the attitude that he's had toward God as if he knows that he's had toward God as if he knows that he's had toward God as if he knows enough to judge God.

you did say the right things about me you did say the right things about me and your friends did not. and your friends did not. and your friends did not. Your friends who thought that they were Your friends who thought that they were Your friends who thought that they were defending me, your friends who thought defending me, your friends who thought defending me, your friends who thought that they were protecting my goodness that they were protecting my goodness that they were protecting my goodness and my sovereignty, your friends, in and my sovereignty, your friends, in and my sovereignty, your friends, in fact, fact, fact, I am very angry with them. I am very angry with them. I am very angry with them. I'm very angry for the way they treated I'm very angry for the way they treated I'm very angry for the way they treated suffering, for the way they treated you. suffering, for the way they treated you. suffering, for the way they treated you. They are such miserable wretches for in They are such miserable wretches for in They are such miserable wretches for in the name of this theology where they got the name of this theology where they got the name of this theology where they got all of the little propositions right. all of the little propositions right. all of the little propositions right. They didn't actually get compassion They didn't actually get compassion They didn't actually get compassion right. right. right. They didn't get the truth of the whole They didn't get the truth of the whole They didn't get the truth of the whole right. They didn't get any mystery about right. They didn't get any mystery about right. They didn't get any mystery about God right. They felt they had God God right. They felt they had God God right. They felt they had God tapped. They thought they understood tapped. They thought they understood tapped. They thought they understood everything about me. everything about me. everything about me. And in fact, they stand under my wrath And in fact, they stand under my wrath And in fact, they stand under my wrath unless you Job intercede for them now in unless you Job intercede for them now in unless you Job intercede for them now in prayer. I want you to pray for them because basically Job, you did get it because basically Job, you did get it right. You recognize there's some right. You recognize there's some right. You recognize there's some mystery here. You didn't work out the mystery here. You didn't work out the mystery here. You didn't work out the entailments very well. Yeah, you do need entailments very well. Yeah, you do need entailments very well. Yeah, you do need to repent in some sense, but basically you defended me while still preserving you defended me while still preserving your integrity.

Whereas their defense of me was so neat Whereas their defense of me was so neat and boxy. It was all cubbyholed. It was and boxy. It was all cubbyholed. It was and boxy. It was all cubbyholed. It was all nicely shaped, but there was no all nicely shaped, but there was no all nicely shaped, but there was no mystery anywhere. No, no, no, no mystery anywhere. No, no, no, no mystery anywhere. No, no, no, no worship, no compassion. They they just worship, no compassion. They they just worship, no compassion. They they just had all the propositions formally had all the propositions formally had all the propositions formally correct and turn the crank and out pop correct and turn the crank and out pop correct and turn the crank and out pop the right answer. And at the end of the the right answer. And at the end of the the right answer. And at the end of the day, they reduced me. day, they reduced me. day, they reduced me. You pray for them, Job. Now, at this point, most contemporary Now, at this point, most contemporary critics still think the Book of Job is critics still think the Book of Job is critics still think the Book of Job is pretty cool. pretty cool. pretty cool. Nice book full of moral ambiguity, hard Nice book full of moral ambiguity, hard Nice book full of moral ambiguity, hard questions, questions, questions, you know, not not a lot of easy answers, you know, not not a lot of easy answers, you know, not not a lot of easy answers, mystery hiding all over the place. And mystery hiding all over the place. And mystery hiding all over the place. And then you get to chapter 42. then you get to chapter 42. then you get to chapter 42. And what God does is give Job twice as And what God does is give Job twice as And what God does is give Job twice as many sheep, twice as much cattle, twice many sheep, twice as much cattle, twice many sheep, twice as much cattle, twice as many asses as he had before. as many asses as he had before. as many asses as he had before. And the same number of kids all over And the same number of kids all over And the same number of kids all over again. Well, not twice as many kids.

again. Well, not twice as many kids. again. Well, not twice as many kids. Have pity on his wife, after all. But Have pity on his wife, after all. But Have pity on his wife, after all. But the same, another 10. If you think the same, another 10. If you think the same, another 10. If you think that's not possible, I grew up in French that's not possible, I grew up in French that's not possible, I grew up in French Canada Canada Canada where in many parts of the country at where in many parts of the country at where in many parts of the country at the time, now it's very different. It's the time, now it's very different. It's the time, now it's very different. It's very secular, the highest abortion rate very secular, the highest abortion rate very secular, the highest abortion rate in North America. But at the time, the in North America. But at the time, the in North America. But at the time, the average family had eight kids. And I average family had eight kids. And I average family had eight kids. And I knew a family up the street myself. I knew a family up the street myself. I knew a family up the street myself. I knew them. This is not hearsay. I I knew knew them. This is not hearsay. I I knew knew them. This is not hearsay. I I knew their kids. Well, I knew some of them. their kids. Well, I knew some of them. their kids. Well, I knew some of them. They had 21 of them. 21 of them. She They had 21 of them. 21 of them. She They had 21 of them. 21 of them. She quit at the age of 42. She'd been quit at the age of 42. She'd been quit at the age of 42. She'd been pregnant half her life. No multiple pregnant half her life. No multiple pregnant half her life. No multiple births. 21 kids. births. 21 kids. births. 21 kids. Ah, well, she even beat Job's wife. What Ah, well, she even beat Job's wife. What Ah, well, she even beat Job's wife. What can I say? So, now he's got his family back. He's So, now he's got his family back. He's twice as wealthy as he was. And the twice as wealthy as he was. And the twice as wealthy as he was. And the critics come along today and say, "This critics come along today and say, "This critics come along today and say, "This is so bad." you know, in a book full of is so bad." you know, in a book full of is so bad." you know, in a book full of mystery and u ambiguity and mystery and u ambiguity and mystery and u ambiguity and a moral indignation. Now you come to the a moral indignation. Now you come to the a moral indignation. Now you come to the end of the book and it's sort of like end of the book and it's sort of like end of the book and it's sort of like cowboy movies in the Eisenhower years.

cowboy movies in the Eisenhower years. cowboy movies in the Eisenhower years. You know, white hats and black hats and You know, white hats and black hats and You know, white hats and black hats and the white guys are very, very, very good the white guys are very, very, very good the white guys are very, very, very good and the black hats are very, very, very and the black hats are very, very, very and the black hats are very, very, very bad. And you know who's going to be good bad. And you know who's going to be good bad. And you know who's going to be good and who's going to be bad by the color and who's going to be bad by the color and who's going to be bad by the color of their hats. You know, it all has a of their hats. You know, it all has a of their hats. You know, it all has a happy ending. It's a bit like Rambo happy ending. It's a bit like Rambo happy ending. It's a bit like Rambo movies or something like that today. movies or something like that today. movies or something like that today. They never win any any any They never win any any any They never win any any any wonderful awards. The bad guys have to wonderful awards. The bad guys have to wonderful awards. The bad guys have to be bad so that you have targets to be bad so that you have targets to be bad so that you have targets to shoot. Did do you see that? That's what shoot. Did do you see that? That's what shoot. Did do you see that? That's what happens in a Rambo movie. But the kind happens in a Rambo movie. But the kind happens in a Rambo movie. But the kind of movie that actually gets the awards of movie that actually gets the awards of movie that actually gets the awards is something like Crash. is something like Crash. is something like Crash. Did you see Crash or is this a church Did you see Crash or is this a church Did you see Crash or is this a church where nobody goes to the movies? where nobody goes to the movies? where nobody goes to the movies? Then let me tell you about it. Then let me tell you about it. Then let me tell you about it. Crash is one of those movies where where Crash is one of those movies where where Crash is one of those movies where where where there there four there are four where there there four there are four where there there four there are four couples, four pairs, and at the couples, four pairs, and at the couples, four pairs, and at the beginning of the movie there's an beginning of the movie there's an beginning of the movie there's an apparently good person and apparently apparently good person and apparently apparently good person and apparently bad person in each pair and by the end bad person in each pair and by the end bad person in each pair and by the end of the movie they're all reversed. of the movie they're all reversed. of the movie they're all reversed. Oh, the critics love it. Yeah. Yes. Oh, the critics love it. Yeah. Yes. Oh, the critics love it. Yeah. Yes. Absolutely. Because because there's Absolutely. Because because there's Absolutely. Because because there's moral ambiguity there. Then you have a moral ambiguity there. Then you have a moral ambiguity there. Then you have a book like the book of Job and for 41 book like the book of Job and for 41 book like the book of Job and for 41 chapters there's moral ambiguity. It's a chapters there's moral ambiguity. It's a chapters there's moral ambiguity. It's a wonderful book and then at the end it's wonderful book and then at the end it's wonderful book and then at the end it's the Eisenhower years all over again. You the Eisenhower years all over again. You the Eisenhower years all over again. You know, clearly not written by the same know, clearly not written by the same know, clearly not written by the same author. Clearly that that that's been author. Clearly that that that's been author. Clearly that that that's been written by some later redactor, some written by some later redactor, some written by some later redactor, some later editor. Put a happy ending on the later editor. Put a happy ending on the later editor. Put a happy ending on the whole thing. Lots of sheep and babies whole thing. Lots of sheep and babies whole thing. Lots of sheep and babies around, you know, around, you know, around, you know, happy ending. And they all go off into happy ending. And they all go off into happy ending. And they all go off into the side into the sunset together with the side into the sunset together with the side into the sunset together with happy trailles to you. You see, I mean, happy trailles to you. You see, I mean, happy trailles to you. You see, I mean, that's what you get at the very end of that's what you get at the very end of

that's what you get at the very end of it, isn't it? Isn't it sloppy? some it, isn't it? Isn't it sloppy? some it, isn't it? Isn't it sloppy? some dumb, idiotic, uninformed, morally black dumb, idiotic, uninformed, morally black dumb, idiotic, uninformed, morally black and white moralizer. For the truth of the matter is that in For the truth of the matter is that in the Bible, there are chunks of the the Bible, there are chunks of the the Bible, there are chunks of the Bible, there are parts of the Bible, Bible, there are parts of the Bible, Bible, there are parts of the Bible, there are texts of the Bible, there are there are texts of the Bible, there are there are texts of the Bible, there are literary genres of the Bible, that is literary genres of the Bible, that is literary genres of the Bible, that is literary forms that do emphasize literary forms that do emphasize literary forms that do emphasize absolutes. absolutes. absolutes. And there are other forms that emphasize And there are other forms that emphasize And there are other forms that emphasize ambiguity. ambiguity. ambiguity. Thus, for example, in wisdom literature Thus, for example, in wisdom literature Thus, for example, in wisdom literature in the Bible, you're either following in the Bible, you're either following in the Bible, you're either following Lady Wisdom or you're following Dame Lady Wisdom or you're following Dame Lady Wisdom or you're following Dame Folly. You're following one of those two Folly. You're following one of those two Folly. You're following one of those two women. You're not following both. You're women. You're not following both. You're women. You're not following both. You're following one or the other. following one or the other. following one or the other. So, so that the first psalm, which is So, so that the first psalm, which is So, so that the first psalm, which is often called a wisdom psalm, G gives you often called a wisdom psalm, G gives you often called a wisdom psalm, G gives you the polarity very clearly. Blessed is the polarity very clearly. Blessed is the polarity very clearly. Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel the man who does not walk in the counsel the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, does not stand in the way of the wicked, does not stand in the way of the wicked, does not stand in the way of sinners, does not seat in the seed of of sinners, does not seat in the seed of of sinners, does not seat in the seed of mockers, know his delight is in the law mockers, know his delight is in the law mockers, know his delight is in the law of the Lord, on his law, he meditates of the Lord, on his law, he meditates of the Lord, on his law, he meditates day and night. He should be like a tree day and night. He should be like a tree day and night. He should be like a tree planted by streams of water that gives planted by streams of water that gives planted by streams of water that gives us leaf in due season, whose fruit also us leaf in due season, whose fruit also us leaf in due season, whose fruit also comes along in due season. His leaf comes along in due season. His leaf comes along in due season. His leaf doesn't leaf does not wither. His fruit doesn't leaf does not wither. His fruit doesn't leaf does not wither. His fruit comes along in due season. Whatever he comes along in due season. Whatever he comes along in due season. Whatever he does prospers, it's all very happy.

does prospers, it's all very happy. does prospers, it's all very happy. Other side, not so the wicked, not so. Other side, not so the wicked, not so. Other side, not so the wicked, not so. They are like the chaff that the wind They are like the chaff that the wind They are like the chaff that the wind blows away. The wicked shall not stand blows away. The wicked shall not stand blows away. The wicked shall not stand in the way of the righteous in the in the way of the righteous in the in the way of the righteous in the congregation of the righteous and so on. congregation of the righteous and so on. congregation of the righteous and so on. You see? Then a final summarizing You see? Then a final summarizing You see? Then a final summarizing contrast. For the Lord knows the way of contrast. For the Lord knows the way of contrast. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous. The way of the wicked the righteous. The way of the wicked the righteous. The way of the wicked will perish. Absolute contrast. will perish. Absolute contrast. will perish. Absolute contrast. And where do you fit? And where do you fit? And where do you fit? H. H. H. Do you fit in the way of the righteous Do you fit in the way of the righteous Do you fit in the way of the righteous or way of the wicked? or way of the wicked? or way of the wicked? Most of us want to say, well, sometimes Most of us want to say, well, sometimes Most of us want to say, well, sometimes in one, sometimes in the other. But wisdom literature doesn't allow But wisdom literature doesn't allow that. You're either following one or the that. You're either following one or the that. You're either following one or the other. Jesus often is a great wisdom preacher. Jesus often is a great wisdom preacher. Jesus preaches in many different kinds Jesus preaches in many different kinds Jesus preaches in many different kinds of genres. But at the end of the sermon of genres. But at the end of the sermon of genres. But at the end of the sermon on the mount, you hear this wisdom on the mount, you hear this wisdom on the mount, you hear this wisdom polarity. Did do you know you're going polarity. Did do you know you're going polarity. Did do you know you're going to build a house? You're going to build to build a house? You're going to build to build a house? You're going to build it on rock so it can withstand all the it on rock so it can withstand all the it on rock so it can withstand all the storm storms. You're going to build it storm storms. You're going to build it storm storms. You're going to build it on sand so it's going to be wiped away on sand so it's going to be wiped away on sand so it's going to be wiped away like everything in Galveastston.

like everything in Galveastston. like everything in Galveastston. You think, "No, no, I'd like to build on You think, "No, no, I'd like to build on You think, "No, no, I'd like to build on sort of hard pan clay. sort of hard pan clay. sort of hard pan clay. I I don't want to build, you know, I I don't want to build, you know, I I don't want to build, you know, really stupidly in sand right next to really stupidly in sand right next to really stupidly in sand right next to the tidal waves, but maybe up only 50 the tidal waves, but maybe up only 50 the tidal waves, but maybe up only 50 feet on hard pan clay. I mean, rock 300 feet on hard pan clay. I mean, rock 300 feet on hard pan clay. I mean, rock 300 ft up is is a bit much, you know, I want ft up is is a bit much, you know, I want ft up is is a bit much, you know, I want to be where the action is. Hard pan to be where the action is. Hard pan to be where the action is. Hard pan clay." Jesus doesn't offer that. clay." Jesus doesn't offer that. clay." Jesus doesn't offer that. One or the other. One or the other. One or the other. Jesus says, "Blessed is the man who goes Jesus says, "Blessed is the man who goes Jesus says, "Blessed is the man who goes in at the narrow gate on the the the in at the narrow gate on the the the in at the narrow gate on the the the straight path straight path straight path and not many go in that way, but there's and not many go in that way, but there's and not many go in that way, but there's life at the end of it." Cursed is the life at the end of it." Cursed is the life at the end of it." Cursed is the one in effect who goes in in the broad one in effect who goes in in the broad one in effect who goes in in the broad gate and and and and and the the the gate and and and and and the the the gate and and and and and the the the very broad way. Many there be that go in very broad way. Many there be that go in very broad way. Many there be that go in there and that is the way to there and that is the way to there and that is the way to destruction. Well, I I I don't want destruction. Well, I I I don't want destruction. Well, I I I don't want either of them. I mean, that's really either of them. I mean, that's really either of them. I mean, that's really lascivious and dirty over there, and lascivious and dirty over there, and lascivious and dirty over there, and that's a bit narrow and fundamentalist that's a bit narrow and fundamentalist that's a bit narrow and fundamentalist over here. I'd like sort of medium-sized over here. I'd like sort of medium-sized over here. I'd like sort of medium-sized gate.

Jesus doesn't offer that either. Jesus doesn't offer that either. So, there are lots of passages in the So, there are lots of passages in the So, there are lots of passages in the Bible, you see, that offer these Bible, you see, that offer these Bible, you see, that offer these absolute polarities. On the other hand, absolute polarities. On the other hand, absolute polarities. On the other hand, there are many passages in the Bible, there are many passages in the Bible, there are many passages in the Bible, especially narrative passages that that especially narrative passages that that especially narrative passages that that tell you about the moral ambiguity. tell you about the moral ambiguity. tell you about the moral ambiguity. So, so, so that um Abraham is a great So, so, so that um Abraham is a great So, so, so that um Abraham is a great man, but he's a flawed great man. Peter man, but he's a flawed great man. Peter man, but he's a flawed great man. Peter is the Peter who speaks on Pentecost. is the Peter who speaks on Pentecost. is the Peter who speaks on Pentecost. He's also the man who swears with oath He's also the man who swears with oath He's also the man who swears with oath that he never knew Jesus. And David is that he never knew Jesus. And David is that he never knew Jesus. And David is the man after God's own heart, but he's the man after God's own heart, but he's the man after God's own heart, but he's sleeping around. I mean, the Bible sleeping around. I mean, the Bible sleeping around. I mean, the Bible speaks of moral ambiguity in the speaks of moral ambiguity in the speaks of moral ambiguity in the narrative passages of scripture, too. narrative passages of scripture, too. narrative passages of scripture, too. And if you have only the narrative And if you have only the narrative And if you have only the narrative passages that speak to the moral passages that speak to the moral passages that speak to the moral ambiguity, then you might draw the wrong ambiguity, then you might draw the wrong ambiguity, then you might draw the wrong inference. You might say, "Well, if inference. You might say, "Well, if inference. You might say, "Well, if David did it, it's not too surprising if David did it, it's not too surprising if David did it, it's not too surprising if I do. I mean, after all, I do. I mean, after all, I do. I mean, after all, And if you had only the passages that And if you had only the passages that And if you had only the passages that speak to absolute moral ambiguity, then speak to absolute moral ambiguity, then speak to absolute moral ambiguity, then either you start preining yourself that either you start preining yourself that either you start preining yourself that that that you can live above it all or that that you can live above it all or that that you can live above it all or you feel absolutely desperate because you feel absolutely desperate because you feel absolutely desperate because you're never quite good enough. you're never quite good enough. you're never quite good enough. But in fact, the Bible gives us both. It But in fact, the Bible gives us both. It But in fact, the Bible gives us both. It gives us passages full of moral gives us passages full of moral gives us passages full of moral ambiguity ambiguity ambiguity and it gives us passages that speak of and it gives us passages that speak of and it gives us passages that speak of absolutes.

But the difference between the passages But the difference between the passages that speak with moral ambiguity and the that speak with moral ambiguity and the that speak with moral ambiguity and the contemporary world today that likes contemporary world today that likes contemporary world today that likes moral ambiguity is this. In our world, moral ambiguity is this. In our world, moral ambiguity is this. In our world, moral ambiguity is an intrinsically good moral ambiguity is an intrinsically good moral ambiguity is an intrinsically good thing. Moral ambiguity is the apex of Moral ambiguity is the apex of sophistication. sophistication. sophistication. Moral ambiguity is something to be Moral ambiguity is something to be Moral ambiguity is something to be praised. praised. praised. Whereas in the Bible, moral ambiguity is Whereas in the Bible, moral ambiguity is Whereas in the Bible, moral ambiguity is always to be regretted. always to be regretted. always to be regretted. It's not the last word. The last word is It's not the last word. The last word is It's not the last word. The last word is on the last day where not only will on the last day where not only will on the last day where not only will justice be done, but it will be seen to justice be done, but it will be seen to justice be done, but it will be seen to be done. be done. be done. And every mouth will be stopped and And every mouth will be stopped and And every mouth will be stopped and every tongue shut and everyone will every tongue shut and everyone will every tongue shut and everyone will confess that God's ways are right and confess that God's ways are right and confess that God's ways are right and that Jesus is Lord. So the moral that Jesus is Lord. So the moral that Jesus is Lord. So the moral ambiguity is acknowledged. It's where we ambiguity is acknowledged. It's where we ambiguity is acknowledged. It's where we live. It's where we move. It reflects live. It's where we move. It reflects live. It's where we move. It reflects all of our own of our own duplicity, our all of our own of our own duplicity, our all of our own of our own duplicity, our own double standards, our own our own own double standards, our own our own own double standards, our own our own even those of us who who who know the even those of us who who who know the even those of us who who who know the Lord and have been forgiven. God help Lord and have been forgiven. God help Lord and have been forgiven. God help us. Still sometimes living according to us. Still sometimes living according to us. Still sometimes living according to the flesh. God help us.

the flesh. God help us. the flesh. God help us. But it's not the last word. The moral But it's not the last word. The moral But it's not the last word. The moral ambiguity is not something to be ambiguity is not something to be ambiguity is not something to be cherished. It's something to be cherished. It's something to be cherished. It's something to be regretted as we wait for the final regretted as we wait for the final regretted as we wait for the final display of a new heaven and a new earth, display of a new heaven and a new earth, display of a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. And we will the home of righteousness. And we will the home of righteousness. And we will be transformed and there will be no more be transformed and there will be no more be transformed and there will be no more sin. sin. sin. Job 42 functions in the book of Job the Job 42 functions in the book of Job the Job 42 functions in the book of Job the way the book of Revelation functions in way the book of Revelation functions in way the book of Revelation functions in the New Testament. Job 42 is not a mistake. Job 42 is Job 42 is not a mistake. Job 42 is saying that despite all the moral saying that despite all the moral saying that despite all the moral ambiguity, despite the fact that human ambiguity, despite the fact that human ambiguity, despite the fact that human beings, even good human beings like Job, beings, even good human beings like Job, beings, even good human beings like Job, may not have all the answers and they may not have all the answers and they may not have all the answers and they still have to acknowledge that God is so still have to acknowledge that God is so still have to acknowledge that God is so much greater than they. On the last day, much greater than they. On the last day, much greater than they. On the last day, God will be vindicated. Not only will God will be vindicated. Not only will God will be vindicated. Not only will justice be done, but it will be seen to justice be done, but it will be seen to justice be done, but it will be seen to be done. Chapter 42 is not a mistake. be done. Chapter 42 is not a mistake. be done. Chapter 42 is not a mistake. It's the vindication of God, which we have already seen built right which we have already seen built right into the whole Bible structure when we into the whole Bible structure when we into the whole Bible structure when we remember the second pillar. There is a remember the second pillar. There is a remember the second pillar. There is a heaven to be gained and a hell to be heaven to be gained and a hell to be heaven to be gained and a hell to be shunned.

shunned. shunned. So, what do we learn from the book of So, what do we learn from the book of So, what do we learn from the book of Job? You watch the bloated bellies of little You watch the bloated bellies of little children starve to death. children starve to death. children starve to death. You go to many of the countries in You go to many of the countries in You go to many of the countries in central Africa where the parents have central Africa where the parents have central Africa where the parents have been wiped out by AIDS. And in many been wiped out by AIDS. And in many been wiped out by AIDS. And in many villages, only kids under the age of 11 villages, only kids under the age of 11 villages, only kids under the age of 11 or 12 are left or adults over the age of or 12 are left or adults over the age of or 12 are left or adults over the age of 55 or 60. The whole intervening 55 or 60. The whole intervening 55 or 60. The whole intervening generation wiped out. generation wiped out. generation wiped out. What What about those kids that are born What What about those kids that are born What What about those kids that are born with AIDS infection? Did they do with AIDS infection? Did they do with AIDS infection? Did they do something to deserve that at some sort something to deserve that at some sort something to deserve that at some sort of personal level? of personal level? of personal level? There is such a thing as innocent There is such a thing as innocent There is such a thing as innocent suffering. Oh. Oh, yeah. It's in a it's in a Oh. Oh, yeah. It's in a it's in a relative sense, but it's still there, relative sense, but it's still there, relative sense, but it's still there, isn't it? isn't it? isn't it? Else, what do you do with the book of Else, what do you do with the book of Else, what do you do with the book of Job? Job? Job? And there may come a time in our lives And there may come a time in our lives And there may come a time in our lives when we don't see the immediate justice when we don't see the immediate justice when we don't see the immediate justice of it all of it all of it all where we still have to acknowledge where we still have to acknowledge where we still have to acknowledge first we don't understand very much.

first we don't understand very much. first we don't understand very much. We never designed a snowflake. We did not set out this universe. We did not set out this universe. And at some point we have to say the And at some point we have to say the And at some point we have to say the right thing as Job said the the right right thing as Job said the the right right thing as Job said the the right thing even in the midst of his thing even in the midst of his thing even in the midst of his suffering. Though he slay me, yet will I suffering. Though he slay me, yet will I suffering. Though he slay me, yet will I trust him. trust him. trust him. In the sure and certain confidence that In the sure and certain confidence that In the sure and certain confidence that Job 42 is coming, justice will be done and will be seen to justice will be done and will be seen to be done on the last day. be done on the last day. be done on the last day. In other words, no thoughtful Christian In other words, no thoughtful Christian In other words, no thoughtful Christian will ever adopt the stance that says, will ever adopt the stance that says, will ever adopt the stance that says, "Yeah, yeah, if you got problems about "Yeah, yeah, if you got problems about "Yeah, yeah, if you got problems about suffering, I'll let me give you all the suffering, I'll let me give you all the suffering, I'll let me give you all the answers." answers." answers." At the end of the day, we'll still At the end of the day, we'll still At the end of the day, we'll still recognize there is mystery and hurt and recognize there is mystery and hurt and recognize there is mystery and hurt and a God who is still bigger, still bigger. a God who is still bigger, still bigger. a God who is still bigger, still bigger. There's more to be said about this God, There's more to be said about this God, There's more to be said about this God, and we don't know enough to stand in and we don't know enough to stand in and we don't know enough to stand in judgment of him. judgment of him. judgment of him. Now, there's still much more to be said. Now, there's still much more to be said. Now, there's still much more to be said. I still haven't even introduced Christ I still haven't even introduced Christ I still haven't even introduced Christ yet. There's still much more to be said.

yet. There's still much more to be said. yet. There's still much more to be said. But this much we must get from the book But this much we must get from the book But this much we must get from the book of Job insights from what the Puritans called insights from what the Puritans called the mystery of providence. the mystery of providence. the mystery of providence. Insights from the mystery of providence. Insights from the mystery of providence. Insights from the mystery of providence. I'm not going to finish this one now. I'm not going to finish this one now. I'm not going to finish this one now. I'm going to introduce it now. And then I'm going to introduce it now. And then I'm going to introduce it now. And then after lunch, we'll come back and finish after lunch, we'll come back and finish after lunch, we'll come back and finish this one and then talk about insights this one and then talk about insights this one and then talk about insights from Christ and his death and from Christ and his death and from Christ and his death and resurrection and insights from us taking resurrection and insights from us taking resurrection and insights from us taking up our cross and following Jesus. That's up our cross and following Jesus. That's up our cross and following Jesus. That's where we're heading. But I want to where we're heading. But I want to where we're heading. But I want to introduce this one now and get it going. introduce this one now and get it going. introduce this one now and get it going. Insights from the mystery of providence. Insights from the mystery of providence. Insights from the mystery of providence. I want to begin with two propositions. I want to begin with two propositions. I want to begin with two propositions. Both of which I insist are taught Both of which I insist are taught Both of which I insist are taught everywhere in the Bible. You can't be an everywhere in the Bible. You can't be an everywhere in the Bible. You can't be an informed Christian without informed Christian without informed Christian without believing these two things. It's just believing these two things. It's just believing these two things. It's just not possible. The two propositions are not possible. The two propositions are not possible. The two propositions are these. Now, this this is these are the these. Now, this this is these are the these. Now, this this is these are the hardest two to wrap your head around.

hardest two to wrap your head around. hardest two to wrap your head around. But I want to teach you what they are But I want to teach you what they are But I want to teach you what they are and then I want to show you how they're and then I want to show you how they're and then I want to show you how they're taught in scripture, how important they taught in scripture, how important they taught in scripture, how important they are, and then I want to start teasing are, and then I want to start teasing are, and then I want to start teasing out what they mean for our lives. The out what they mean for our lives. The out what they mean for our lives. The two propositions are these. One, two propositions are these. One, two propositions are these. One, God is absolutely and utterly sovereign, God is absolutely and utterly sovereign, God is absolutely and utterly sovereign, but his sovereignty never functions to but his sovereignty never functions to but his sovereignty never functions to reduce human responsibility. reduce human responsibility. reduce human responsibility. That's the first proposition. God is That's the first proposition. God is That's the first proposition. God is absolutely and utterly sovereign. absolutely and utterly sovereign. absolutely and utterly sovereign. But his sovereignty never functions to But his sovereignty never functions to But his sovereignty never functions to mitigate human responsibility. mitigate human responsibility. mitigate human responsibility. In other words, just because God is In other words, just because God is In other words, just because God is sovereign doesn't mean that we become sovereign doesn't mean that we become sovereign doesn't mean that we become nonresponsible entities, just tools that nonresponsible entities, just tools that nonresponsible entities, just tools that that have no responsibility. that have no responsibility. that have no responsibility. We're not fatalists even while we We're not fatalists even while we We're not fatalists even while we confess God's sovereignty. That's the confess God's sovereignty. That's the confess God's sovereignty. That's the first proposition. The second first proposition. The second first proposition. The second proposition is proposition is proposition is human beings are morally responsible.

By that I mean we believe and By that I mean we believe and disbelieve. We obey and disobey. disbelieve. We obey and disobey. disbelieve. We obey and disobey. We choose. We do all kinds of things of We choose. We do all kinds of things of We choose. We do all kinds of things of that sort. And all of those things are that sort. And all of those things are that sort. And all of those things are morally responsible choices. The Bible morally responsible choices. The Bible morally responsible choices. The Bible speaks of all of them. speaks of all of them. speaks of all of them. But But But human responsibility never functions human responsibility never functions human responsibility never functions to reduce God's sovereignty. Human beings are morally responsible Human beings are morally responsible creatures. But human responsibility creatures. But human responsibility creatures. But human responsibility never reduces God's sovereignty. never reduces God's sovereignty. never reduces God's sovereignty. Now, Now, Now, if you ask me, how do you put those two if you ask me, how do you put those two if you ask me, how do you put those two together, those two propositions? Whoa, together, those two propositions? Whoa, together, those two propositions? Whoa, that's a tough one. that's a tough one. that's a tough one. But before we even think about how to But before we even think about how to But before we even think about how to put them together, I want you to see how put them together, I want you to see how put them together, I want you to see how common they are in the Bible. Let me common they are in the Bible. Let me common they are in the Bible. Let me pick three passages. The first is pick three passages. The first is pick three passages. The first is Genesis 50, 19, and 20. Genesis 50, 19, Genesis 50, 19, and 20. Genesis 50, 19, Genesis 50, 19, and 20. Genesis 50, 19, and 20. There are literally scores of and 20. There are literally scores of and 20. There are literally scores of passages we could have focused on here, passages we could have focused on here, passages we could have focused on here, plus many themes elsewhere, plus many themes elsewhere, plus many themes elsewhere, but for the sake of time, but for the sake of time, but for the sake of time, let's restrict ourselves to three let's restrict ourselves to three let's restrict ourselves to three passages. Genesis 50 passages. Genesis 50 passages. Genesis 50 toward the end of the chapter.

Now, at this point, Now, at this point, the father the father the father of Joseph, Jacob, the old man, has died. of Joseph, Jacob, the old man, has died. of Joseph, Jacob, the old man, has died. And the brothers that sold Joseph into And the brothers that sold Joseph into And the brothers that sold Joseph into slavery are afraid that now that the old slavery are afraid that now that the old slavery are afraid that now that the old man has died, Joseph, who's functioning man has died, Joseph, who's functioning man has died, Joseph, who's functioning now as prime minister of Egypt, will now as prime minister of Egypt, will now as prime minister of Egypt, will take revenge. take revenge. take revenge. So they come at him with what is So they come at him with what is So they come at him with what is probably a andbull story about how probably a andbull story about how probably a andbull story about how the old man had said, you know, Joseph the old man had said, you know, Joseph the old man had said, you know, Joseph was to behave himself after he had died was to behave himself after he had died was to behave himself after he had died and so on. Who knows? But in any case, and so on. Who knows? But in any case, and so on. Who knows? But in any case, when Joseph hears all of this, he says when Joseph hears all of this, he says when Joseph hears all of this, he says to the brothers, "Yes, yes, you did sell to the brothers, "Yes, yes, you did sell to the brothers, "Yes, yes, you did sell me into slavery. I know that me into slavery. I know that me into slavery. I know that you intended it for evil, but God you intended it for evil, but God you intended it for evil, but God intended it for good." That's what the intended it for good." That's what the intended it for good." That's what the text says. Did you notice that? Verses text says. Did you notice that? Verses text says. Did you notice that? Verses 19 and 20. You intended it for evil, but 19 and 20. You intended it for evil, but 19 and 20. You intended it for evil, but God intended it for good. That's exactly God intended it for good. That's exactly God intended it for good. That's exactly what the original says.

The two are put in parallel. It's very The two are put in parallel. It's very blunt. You intended it for evil, but God blunt. You intended it for evil, but God blunt. You intended it for evil, but God intended it for good. intended it for good. intended it for good. That's what the original says. That's what the original says. That's what the original says. Now, think through what it doesn't say. Now, think through what it doesn't say. Now, think through what it doesn't say. It doesn't say, "My original intention It doesn't say, "My original intention It doesn't say, "My original intention was to have you driven down to Egypt in was to have you driven down to Egypt in was to have you driven down to Egypt in an air conditioned limousine, but an air conditioned limousine, but an air conditioned limousine, but unfortunately those guys came along and unfortunately those guys came along and unfortunately those guys came along and mucked up my plans, so you ended up mucked up my plans, so you ended up mucked up my plans, so you ended up there as a slave instead." Doesn't say there as a slave instead." Doesn't say there as a slave instead." Doesn't say that. that. that. It doesn't say either, It doesn't say either, It doesn't say either, those chaps sold you into slavery while those chaps sold you into slavery while those chaps sold you into slavery while I was having a snooze one day. I wasn't I was having a snooze one day. I wasn't I was having a snooze one day. I wasn't really paying a lot of attention. So, really paying a lot of attention. So, really paying a lot of attention. So, you ended up in in slavery, but I came you ended up in in slavery, but I came you ended up in in slavery, but I came along at the last moment riding on my along at the last moment riding on my along at the last moment riding on my white charger and I came and and rescued white charger and I came and and rescued white charger and I came and and rescued you at the end. Doesn't say that. It you at the end. Doesn't say that. It you at the end. Doesn't say that. It says rather that in one in the same says rather that in one in the same says rather that in one in the same event, event, event, you intended it for evil, but God you intended it for evil, but God you intended it for evil, but God intended it for good. In other words, God was sovereign over In other words, God was sovereign over the whole thing, but with only good the whole thing, but with only good the whole thing, but with only good intentions.

intentions. intentions. They were responsible for what they did They were responsible for what they did They were responsible for what they did in this whole thing. And it really was in this whole thing. And it really was in this whole thing. And it really was evil. evil. evil. Now, let's turn to another passage Now, let's turn to another passage Now, let's turn to another passage before we think this one through a before we think this one through a before we think this one through a little farther. This one's found in little farther. This one's found in little farther. This one's found in Isaiah chapter 10. Isaiah chapter 10, Isaiah chapter 10. Isaiah chapter 10, Isaiah chapter 10. Isaiah chapter 10, beginning at verse 5. beginning at verse 5. beginning at verse 5. Isaiah chapter 10 beginning at verse 5. Isaiah chapter 10 beginning at verse 5. Isaiah chapter 10 beginning at verse 5. God is speaking through Isaiah to the God is speaking through Isaiah to the God is speaking through Isaiah to the Assyrians. The Assyrians are the Assyrians. The Assyrians are the Assyrians. The Assyrians are the regional superpower at the time. And regional superpower at the time. And regional superpower at the time. And they are a barbaric bunch. We know them they are a barbaric bunch. We know them they are a barbaric bunch. We know them from archaeology and other records. They from archaeology and other records. They from archaeology and other records. They were a barbaric bunch. And at this were a barbaric bunch. And at this were a barbaric bunch. And at this point, they had already destroyed the point, they had already destroyed the point, they had already destroyed the northern tribes or were in the process northern tribes or were in the process northern tribes or were in the process of destroying them even further. And of destroying them even further. And of destroying them even further. And they were threatening Jerusalem. they were threatening Jerusalem. they were threatening Jerusalem. God says to them through Isaiah God says to them through Isaiah God says to them through Isaiah 10:5, "Woe to the Assyrian, the rod of 10:5, "Woe to the Assyrian, the rod of 10:5, "Woe to the Assyrian, the rod of my anger in whose hand is the club of my my anger in whose hand is the club of my my anger in whose hand is the club of my wroth. I send him against the godless wroth. I send him against the godless wroth. I send him against the godless nation." Now, you need to understand nation." Now, you need to understand nation." Now, you need to understand that in the context, God is saying, "I that in the context, God is saying, "I that in the context, God is saying, "I send these Assyrians, this brutal pagan send these Assyrians, this brutal pagan send these Assyrians, this brutal pagan horde. I am sending them against the horde. I am sending them against the horde. I am sending them against the godless nation, that is the Israelites godless nation, that is the Israelites godless nation, that is the Israelites themselves. That is God is using the themselves. That is God is using the themselves. That is God is using the Assyrians to punish his own covenant Assyrians to punish his own covenant Assyrians to punish his own covenant people for their sins. Okay, that's people for their sins. Okay, that's people for their sins. Okay, that's what's going on. But woe to the what's going on. But woe to the what's going on. But woe to the Assyrians whom I'm using in this way. I Assyrians whom I'm using in this way. I Assyrians whom I'm using in this way. I send him verse six, against a godless send him verse six, against a godless send him verse six, against a godless nation, that is the Jews. I dispatch him

nation, that is the Jews. I dispatch him nation, that is the Jews. I dispatch him against the people who anger me to seize against the people who anger me to seize against the people who anger me to seize loot and snatch plunder and to trample loot and snatch plunder and to trample loot and snatch plunder and to trample them down like mud in the streets. them down like mud in the streets. them down like mud in the streets. That's what God says he is sending the That's what God says he is sending the That's what God says he is sending the Assyrians to do to his own covenant Assyrians to do to his own covenant Assyrians to do to his own covenant people. people. people. But verse seven, this is not what he But verse seven, this is not what he But verse seven, this is not what he intends. That is what the Assyrians intends. That is what the Assyrians intends. That is what the Assyrians think they're doing. think they're doing. think they're doing. This is not what he has in mind. His This is not what he has in mind. His This is not what he has in mind. His purpose is to destroy, to put an end to purpose is to destroy, to put an end to purpose is to destroy, to put an end to many nations. Are not my commanders all many nations. Are not my commanders all many nations. Are not my commanders all kings? He says that that is even my kings? He says that that is even my kings? He says that that is even my military commanders are really minor military commanders are really minor military commanders are really minor royal figures. My my my military is so royal figures. My my my military is so royal figures. My my my military is so great is so strong that even my great is so strong that even my great is so strong that even my commanders themselves are are royal commanders themselves are are royal commanders themselves are are royal figures. figures. figures. Has not Kalno fared like Cargamish? That Has not Kalno fared like Cargamish? That Has not Kalno fared like Cargamish? That is cities that the Assyrians have is cities that the Assyrians have is cities that the Assyrians have already destroyed. Is not Hamat like already destroyed. Is not Hamat like already destroyed. Is not Hamat like Arpbad and Samaria like Damascus? That Arpbad and Samaria like Damascus? That Arpbad and Samaria like Damascus? That is, they're all cities that on the one is, they're all cities that on the one is, they're all cities that on the one hand I've destroyed or I'm about to hand I've destroyed or I'm about to hand I've destroyed or I'm about to destroy. They're all cities that I can destroy. They're all cities that I can destroy. They're all cities that I can handle. handle. handle. As my hand sees the kingdoms of the As my hand sees the kingdoms of the As my hand sees the kingdoms of the idols, kingdoms whose images excel those idols, kingdoms whose images excel those idols, kingdoms whose images excel those of Jerusalem and Samaria. Shall I not of Jerusalem and Samaria. Shall I not of Jerusalem and Samaria. Shall I not deal with Jerusalem and her images as I deal with Jerusalem and her images as I deal with Jerusalem and her images as I dealt with Samaria and her idols? Now, dealt with Samaria and her idols? Now, dealt with Samaria and her idols? Now, they don't understand too much that they don't understand too much that they don't understand too much that Jerusalem's God does not have a whole Jerusalem's God does not have a whole Jerusalem's God does not have a whole lot of images. They they're pagans lot of images. They they're pagans lot of images. They they're pagans trying to think in pagan terms. But what trying to think in pagan terms. But what trying to think in pagan terms. But what they're really saying is, listen, if I they're really saying is, listen, if I they're really saying is, listen, if I bumped off Damascus, if I can take bumped off Damascus, if I can take bumped off Damascus, if I can take Samaria, then I can certainly Samaria, then I can certainly Samaria, then I can certainly domesticate Jerusalem, too. That's what domesticate Jerusalem, too. That's what domesticate Jerusalem, too. That's what they're thinking.

So So when the Lord has finished all his work when the Lord has finished all his work when the Lord has finished all his work against Mount Zion in Jerusalem, that is against Mount Zion in Jerusalem, that is against Mount Zion in Jerusalem, that is when he's finished using the Assyrians when he's finished using the Assyrians when he's finished using the Assyrians to punish Jerusalem, to punish Jerusalem, to punish Jerusalem, he will say, "I will punish the king of he will say, "I will punish the king of he will say, "I will punish the king of Assyria for the willful pride of his Assyria for the willful pride of his Assyria for the willful pride of his heart and the hotty look in his eyes. heart and the hotty look in his eyes. heart and the hotty look in his eyes. For he says, "By the strength of my For he says, "By the strength of my For he says, "By the strength of my hand, I have done this. By my wisdom, hand, I have done this. By my wisdom, hand, I have done this. By my wisdom, because I have understanding, I remove because I have understanding, I remove because I have understanding, I remove the boundaries of nations. I have the boundaries of nations. I have the boundaries of nations. I have plundered their treasures. Like a mighty plundered their treasures. Like a mighty plundered their treasures. Like a mighty one, I subdued their kings. As one one, I subdued their kings. As one one, I subdued their kings. As one reaches into a nest, so my hand reached reaches into a nest, so my hand reached reaches into a nest, so my hand reached for the wealth of the nations. As men for the wealth of the nations. As men for the wealth of the nations. As men gathered a band and egg, so I gathered gathered a band and egg, so I gathered gathered a band and egg, so I gathered all the countries, not one flap to wing, all the countries, not one flap to wing, all the countries, not one flap to wing, or opened its mouth to chop. And God or opened its mouth to chop. And God or opened its mouth to chop. And God says, says, says, "Does the axe raise itself above him who "Does the axe raise itself above him who "Does the axe raise itself above him who swings it? swings it? swings it? Or the saw boast itself against him who Or the saw boast itself against him who Or the saw boast itself against him who uses it?" Do you hear that? God at one uses it?" Do you hear that? God at one uses it?" Do you hear that? God at one level views the mighty Assyrian nation level views the mighty Assyrian nation level views the mighty Assyrian nation as nothing more than a tool. And what as nothing more than a tool. And what as nothing more than a tool. And what right does a tool have to boast against right does a tool have to boast against right does a tool have to boast against the one who uses it? God used it. So why the one who uses it? God used it. So why the one who uses it? God used it. So why do they have the right to boast as if do they have the right to boast as if do they have the right to boast as if they did this on their own?

they did this on their own? they did this on their own? As if a rod were to wield him who lifts As if a rod were to wield him who lifts As if a rod were to wield him who lifts it up or a club brandish him who is not it up or a club brandish him who is not it up or a club brandish him who is not wood. Therefore the Lord, the Lord wood. Therefore the Lord, the Lord wood. Therefore the Lord, the Lord Almighty will send a wasting disease Almighty will send a wasting disease Almighty will send a wasting disease upon his sturdy warriors and so on. upon his sturdy warriors and so on. upon his sturdy warriors and so on. Isn't that a remarkable passage? Isn't that a remarkable passage? Isn't that a remarkable passage? And there are a couple of score passages And there are a couple of score passages And there are a couple of score passages like that in the prophets where clearly like that in the prophets where clearly like that in the prophets where clearly God is presented as sovereign over the God is presented as sovereign over the God is presented as sovereign over the nations including including the pagan nations including including the pagan nations including including the pagan nations whom he may use to chasen other nations whom he may use to chasen other nations whom he may use to chasen other nations. But that sovereignty does not nations. But that sovereignty does not nations. But that sovereignty does not mitigate the responsibility of the mitigate the responsibility of the mitigate the responsibility of the nations themselves. nations themselves. nations themselves. And the nations themselves are viewed as And the nations themselves are viewed as And the nations themselves are viewed as responsible for what they're doing. But responsible for what they're doing. But responsible for what they're doing. But that sovereign that that responsibility that sovereign that that responsibility that sovereign that that responsibility does not mean that God's asleep or not does not mean that God's asleep or not does not mean that God's asleep or not sovereign or taking time off. If your sovereign or taking time off. If your sovereign or taking time off. If your brain hurts at this one, it ought to. brain hurts at this one, it ought to. brain hurts at this one, it ought to. And it has generated across the And it has generated across the And it has generated across the centuries of the church a lot of centuries of the church a lot of centuries of the church a lot of reflection about how to think about reflection about how to think about reflection about how to think about this. What this means is God is so this. What this means is God is so this. What this means is God is so sovereign that he stands behind both sovereign that he stands behind both sovereign that he stands behind both good and evil. But good and evil. But good and evil. But he stands behind good and evil he stands behind good and evil he stands behind good and evil asymmetrically. That is, he doesn't asymmetrically. That is, he doesn't asymmetrically. That is, he doesn't stand behind good and evil exactly the stand behind good and evil exactly the stand behind good and evil exactly the same way. He stands behind good in such same way. He stands behind good in such same way. He stands behind good in such a way that the good is always traceable a way that the good is always traceable a way that the good is always traceable to him. He's to be praised for it. He to him. He's to be praised for it. He to him. He's to be praised for it. He stands behind evil in such a way that it stands behind evil in such a way that it stands behind evil in such a way that it never escapes the outermost boundaries never escapes the outermost boundaries never escapes the outermost boundaries of his sovereignty, but the evil is of his sovereignty, but the evil is of his sovereignty, but the evil is never chargeable to him.

never chargeable to him. never chargeable to him. The evil is chargeable to the secondary The evil is chargeable to the secondary The evil is chargeable to the secondary causalities, to the secondary causes in causalities, to the secondary causes in causalities, to the secondary causes in this case to the Assyrians. And if you think, boy, that's pretty And if you think, boy, that's pretty convenient for God, convenient for God, convenient for God, I would say, yeah, but that's the way it I would say, yeah, but that's the way it I would say, yeah, but that's the way it is. And you see, if if you think of any And you see, if if you think of any other model, you've got even worse other model, you've got even worse other model, you've got even worse problems. If you say God is only behind problems. If you say God is only behind problems. If you say God is only behind the good, he has nothing whatsoever to the good, he has nothing whatsoever to the good, he has nothing whatsoever to do. His sovereignty doesn't play out do. His sovereignty doesn't play out do. His sovereignty doesn't play out over this bad stuff over here, then over this bad stuff over here, then over this bad stuff over here, then what's going on over here? what's going on over here? what's going on over here? Is there another god, a Satan, a Is there another god, a Satan, a Is there another god, a Satan, a secondary person? secondary person? secondary person? A bit like the force in Star Wars, A bit like the force in Star Wars, A bit like the force in Star Wars, there's a good side and a bad side. there's a good side and a bad side. there's a good side and a bad side. Which side wins depends on which side Which side wins depends on which side Which side wins depends on which side you give strength to. you give strength to. you give strength to. That's not what the Bible says. And as That's not what the Bible says. And as That's not what the Bible says. And as long as you think that is the way things long as you think that is the way things long as you think that is the way things work in the universe, you can never ever work in the universe, you can never ever work in the universe, you can never ever ever be sure which side is going to win.

It's called dualism. It's called dualism. As long as you hold to this kind of As long as you hold to this kind of As long as you hold to this kind of dualism, you can't ever be sure who's dualism, you can't ever be sure who's dualism, you can't ever be sure who's going to win. I mean, God lost that one. going to win. I mean, God lost that one. going to win. I mean, God lost that one. You could lose another one. Who knows? You could lose another one. Who knows? You could lose another one. Who knows? Maybe you'll even lose at the end. Maybe you'll even lose at the end. Maybe you'll even lose at the end. But the Bible insists that God is so But the Bible insists that God is so But the Bible insists that God is so sovereign sovereign sovereign that all the good and the evil that that all the good and the evil that that all the good and the evil that takes place never escapes the bounds of takes place never escapes the bounds of takes place never escapes the bounds of his sovereignty. But the goodness is his sovereignty. But the goodness is his sovereignty. But the goodness is always credable to him and the evil is always credable to him and the evil is always credable to him and the evil is not. It's always credable to secondary It's always credable to secondary causes. In this case, the Assyrians. causes. In this case, the Assyrians. causes. In this case, the Assyrians. And in one sense, as difficult as it is And in one sense, as difficult as it is And in one sense, as difficult as it is to get your head around that kind of to get your head around that kind of to get your head around that kind of stuff, once you see it, it comes as a stuff, once you see it, it comes as a stuff, once you see it, it comes as a vast relief because even the rotten stuff that because even the rotten stuff that happens, happens, happens, God dealing with this fallen world God dealing with this fallen world God dealing with this fallen world because he is good because he is good because he is good can use it for good can use it for good can use it for good and for his own glory. In this case, it and for his own glory. In this case, it and for his own glory. In this case, it brings punishment to the people.

brings punishment to the people. brings punishment to the people. It brings repentance ultimately, It brings repentance ultimately, It brings repentance ultimately, brings a return to God in reformation. brings a return to God in reformation. brings a return to God in reformation. And for God, that's far more important And for God, that's far more important And for God, that's far more important than whether everybody lives a than whether everybody lives a than whether everybody lives a comfortable life. But you know the passage where this is But you know the passage where this is most important. There are a number of passages like this There are a number of passages like this in the New Testament. in the New Testament. in the New Testament. But perhaps nowhere more clear than Acts But perhaps nowhere more clear than Acts But perhaps nowhere more clear than Acts 4 27 and 28. 4 27 and 28. 4 27 and 28. And now we're coming up more and more to And now we're coming up more and more to And now we're coming up more and more to Christ himself. Acts Christ himself. Acts Christ himself. Acts 4 27 and 28. 27 and 28. Let me remind you of the context. Peter and John are facing their first Peter and John are facing their first whiff of open attack from the local whiff of open attack from the local whiff of open attack from the local authorities, persecution.

authorities, persecution. authorities, persecution. They're released. And in verse 23, we're They're released. And in verse 23, we're They're released. And in verse 23, we're told after they've been threatened and told after they've been threatened and told after they've been threatened and so forth, they go back to their own so forth, they go back to their own so forth, they go back to their own people. That is not simply to the Jews people. That is not simply to the Jews people. That is not simply to the Jews at this point. It's the Jews that are at this point. It's the Jews that are at this point. It's the Jews that are giving them trouble. They are Jews giving them trouble. They are Jews giving them trouble. They are Jews themselves. It's Jews attacking Jews. themselves. It's Jews attacking Jews. themselves. It's Jews attacking Jews. But they go to their own people. That is But they go to their own people. That is But they go to their own people. That is the fledgling Christian community. They the fledgling Christian community. They the fledgling Christian community. They go back to their own community that is go back to their own community that is go back to their own community that is the f fledgling Christians who are all the f fledgling Christians who are all the f fledgling Christians who are all or mostly Christians themselves. And or mostly Christians themselves. And or mostly Christians themselves. And they gave the report of what had gone they gave the report of what had gone they gave the report of what had gone on. And when these Christians heard this on. And when these Christians heard this on. And when these Christians heard this verse 24, they raise their voices verse 24, they raise their voices verse 24, they raise their voices together in prayer to God, sovereign together in prayer to God, sovereign together in prayer to God, sovereign Lord. Notice when persecution breaks out Lord. Notice when persecution breaks out Lord. Notice when persecution breaks out in the New Testament, very frequently, in the New Testament, very frequently, in the New Testament, very frequently, the first thing that is confessed by the the first thing that is confessed by the the first thing that is confessed by the believers is God's sovereignty. believers is God's sovereignty. believers is God's sovereignty. That's true across church history. You That's true across church history. You That's true across church history. You put Christians under persecution, and put Christians under persecution, and put Christians under persecution, and I'll tell you what happens again and I'll tell you what happens again and I'll tell you what happens again and again. They confess God's sovereignty. again. They confess God's sovereignty. again. They confess God's sovereignty. We'll come back to that one this We'll come back to that one this We'll come back to that one this afternoon. afternoon. afternoon. Sovereign Lord, you made the heaven and Sovereign Lord, you made the heaven and Sovereign Lord, you made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in the earth and the sea and everything in the earth and the sea and everything in them. That is, you're still in charge.

them. That is, you're still in charge. them. That is, you're still in charge. This is your universe. Even as we're This is your universe. Even as we're This is your universe. Even as we're facing opposition, facing opposition, facing opposition, you spoke by the Holy Spirit through the you spoke by the Holy Spirit through the you spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David. mouth of your servant, our father David. mouth of your servant, our father David. Why do the nations rage and the peoples Why do the nations rage and the peoples Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth plot in vain? The kings of the earth plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather take their stand and the rulers gather take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against together against the Lord and against together against the Lord and against his anointed one, against his Messiah. his anointed one, against his Messiah. his anointed one, against his Messiah. That is they quote scripture to That is they quote scripture to That is they quote scripture to demonstrate that these kinds of ugly demonstrate that these kinds of ugly demonstrate that these kinds of ugly outbreaks against Christ and his people outbreaks against Christ and his people outbreaks against Christ and his people are to be expected. Scripture itself are to be expected. Scripture itself are to be expected. Scripture itself says so. This is not a neutral universe. says so. This is not a neutral universe. says so. This is not a neutral universe. It's already a fallen universe, a broken It's already a fallen universe, a broken It's already a fallen universe, a broken universe. And of course there will be universe. And of course there will be universe. And of course there will be opposition against God and his people. opposition against God and his people. opposition against God and his people. And then this indeed the outworking of And then this indeed the outworking of And then this indeed the outworking of Psalm 2. They say h has already taken Psalm 2. They say h has already taken Psalm 2. They say h has already taken place. Herod and Ponteus Pilate met place. Herod and Ponteus Pilate met place. Herod and Ponteus Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the together with the Gentiles and the together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to people of Israel in this city to people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus conspire against your holy servant Jesus conspire against your holy servant Jesus whom you anointed. And that's why whom you anointed. And that's why whom you anointed. And that's why politically speaking, Jesus went to the politically speaking, Jesus went to the politically speaking, Jesus went to the cross. There was a wretched conspiracy, cross. There was a wretched conspiracy, cross. There was a wretched conspiracy, a kangaroo court. The Jewish leaders a kangaroo court. The Jewish leaders a kangaroo court. The Jewish leaders conspired with Pilate and the Gentile conspired with Pilate and the Gentile conspired with Pilate and the Gentile leaders and they condemned Jesus even leaders and they condemned Jesus even leaders and they condemned Jesus even though they knew that he was innocent.

though they knew that he was innocent. though they knew that he was innocent. They wanted him off the mat. He was a They wanted him off the mat. He was a They wanted him off the mat. He was a troublemaker. He was a threat whether to troublemaker. He was a threat whether to troublemaker. He was a threat whether to the religious power or even maybe to the the religious power or even maybe to the the religious power or even maybe to the secular power. He had far too many secular power. He had far too many secular power. He had far too many followers. He had to be done away with. followers. He had to be done away with. followers. He had to be done away with. So there was a conspiracy and he was So there was a conspiracy and he was So there was a conspiracy and he was killed. It was wicked. killed. It was wicked. killed. It was wicked. Next verse. Next verse. Next verse. They did what your hand had determined They did what your hand had determined They did what your hand had determined beforehand would be done. That's dramatic, isn't it? That's dramatic, isn't it? So when Herod and Pontius Pilate and the So when Herod and Pontius Pilate and the So when Herod and Pontius Pilate and the other authorities crucified Jesus, it other authorities crucified Jesus, it other authorities crucified Jesus, it was according to the determination of was according to the determination of was according to the determination of God Almighty. Now unless you believe both verse 27 and Now unless you believe both verse 27 and verse 28, you will destroy Christianity. verse 28, you will destroy Christianity. verse 28, you will destroy Christianity. You got to have them both. You got to have them both. You got to have them both. Supposing you just believe verse 27. You Supposing you just believe verse 27. You Supposing you just believe verse 27. You don't believe verse 28. don't believe verse 28. don't believe verse 28. You only believe verse 27. Jesus went to You only believe verse 27. Jesus went to You only believe verse 27. Jesus went to the cross because of this conspiracy.

the cross because of this conspiracy. the cross because of this conspiracy. That's it. God's got nothing to do with That's it. God's got nothing to do with That's it. God's got nothing to do with it. He went to the cross because of the it. He went to the cross because of the it. He went to the cross because of the conspiracy. conspiracy. conspiracy. Well, then you have preserved the Well, then you have preserved the Well, then you have preserved the wickedness of all of these people, wickedness of all of these people, wickedness of all of these people, haven't you? That you've preserved. On haven't you? That you've preserved. On haven't you? That you've preserved. On the other hand, it now means that Jesus the other hand, it now means that Jesus the other hand, it now means that Jesus going to the cross ostensibly to pay for going to the cross ostensibly to pay for going to the cross ostensibly to pay for our sin according to the plan of God is our sin according to the plan of God is our sin according to the plan of God is now not according to the plan of God and now not according to the plan of God and now not according to the plan of God and his sovereignty bringing these things to his sovereignty bringing these things to his sovereignty bringing these things to pass. It's now nothing more than an pass. It's now nothing more than an pass. It's now nothing more than an accident of history brought about by the accident of history brought about by the accident of history brought about by the conspiracy of a bunch of idiots who who conspiracy of a bunch of idiots who who conspiracy of a bunch of idiots who who are corrupting justice in order to have are corrupting justice in order to have are corrupting justice in order to have a little more political freedom. a little more political freedom. a little more political freedom. Is that what you believe? What do you do Is that what you believe? What do you do Is that what you believe? What do you do then with biblical texts in the book of then with biblical texts in the book of then with biblical texts in the book of Revelation that say that in God's mind, Revelation that say that in God's mind, Revelation that say that in God's mind, Revelation 13, Revelation 17, Christ is Revelation 13, Revelation 17, Christ is Revelation 13, Revelation 17, Christ is the lamb slain from before the the lamb slain from before the the lamb slain from before the foundation of the earth? It's God's foundation of the earth? It's God's foundation of the earth? It's God's plan. What do you do with all of those plan. What do you do with all of those plan. What do you do with all of those images in the Old Testament, the images in the Old Testament, the images in the Old Testament, the Passover lamb and Yom Kapoor, all the Passover lamb and Yom Kapoor, all the Passover lamb and Yom Kapoor, all the promises? What do you do with Isaiah 53, promises? What do you do with Isaiah 53, promises? What do you do with Isaiah 53, a picture of a suffering servant who is a picture of a suffering servant who is a picture of a suffering servant who is wounded for our transgressions and wounded for our transgressions and wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities? Well, what bruised for our iniquities? Well, what bruised for our iniquities? Well, what do you do with all of this that predicts do you do with all of this that predicts do you do with all of this that predicts that God is in charge and bringing all that God is in charge and bringing all that God is in charge and bringing all of these things to pass? You see, of these things to pass? You see, of these things to pass? You see, it's all just an accident of history.

it's all just an accident of history. it's all just an accident of history. God hadn't foreseen anything. He hadn't God hadn't foreseen anything. He hadn't God hadn't foreseen anything. He hadn't planned anything. He hadn't done planned anything. He hadn't done planned anything. He hadn't done anything. It just happened. And how can anything. It just happened. And how can anything. It just happened. And how can you possibly believe that the gift of you possibly believe that the gift of you possibly believe that the gift of Christ on the cross was a gift to us Christ on the cross was a gift to us Christ on the cross was a gift to us because there he bore our sins in his because there he bore our sins in his because there he bore our sins in his own body on the tree? own body on the tree? own body on the tree? On the other hand, supposing you believe On the other hand, supposing you believe On the other hand, supposing you believe verse 28 and don't believe verse 27, verse 28 and don't believe verse 27, verse 28 and don't believe verse 27, just white verse 27 out. Forget the just white verse 27 out. Forget the just white verse 27 out. Forget the conspiracy bit. conspiracy bit. conspiracy bit. Now Jesus goes to the cross because God arranged to bring Jesus to the God arranged to bring Jesus to the cross. God arranged for him to die in cross. God arranged for him to die in cross. God arranged for him to die in our place. It was all God's plan in the our place. It was all God's plan in the our place. It was all God's plan in the first place. Don't blame dear old first place. Don't blame dear old first place. Don't blame dear old Pilate. Yeah. Yes. They're going wash Pilate. Yeah. Yes. They're going wash Pilate. Yeah. Yes. They're going wash his hands and all that, but I was all his hands and all that, but I was all his hands and all that, but I was all ordained and Herod was corrupt in all of ordained and Herod was corrupt in all of ordained and Herod was corrupt in all of this. He didn't care about justice. But this. He didn't care about justice. But this. He didn't care about justice. But that was all ordained and all the chief that was all ordained and all the chief that was all ordained and all the chief priests that were involved in all of priests that were involved in all of priests that were involved in all of this, they were jealous of Jesus this, they were jealous of Jesus this, they were jealous of Jesus authority and afraid that that his authority and afraid that that his authority and afraid that that his popularity would actually fulment popularity would actually fulment popularity would actually fulment rebellion and and they corroded Jud. But rebellion and and they corroded Jud. But rebellion and and they corroded Jud. But that that's that was all ordained that that's that was all ordained that that's that was all ordained because because obviously God had to get because because obviously God had to get because because obviously God had to get Jesus on that cross.

But if God's sovereignty means But if God's sovereignty means that the people who crucify Jesus that the people who crucify Jesus that the people who crucify Jesus are innocent, then God's sovereignty surely means then God's sovereignty surely means that everyone's innocent. that everyone's innocent. that everyone's innocent. We're just pawns. We're just tools. We're just pawns. We're just tools. We're just pawns. We're just tools. That's it. That's it. That's it. But if we're all in innocent because God But if we're all in innocent because God But if we're all in innocent because God is sovereign, we don't need a redeemer. is sovereign, we don't need a redeemer. is sovereign, we don't need a redeemer. There's nothing to redeem us from. How There's nothing to redeem us from. How There's nothing to redeem us from. How can we be guilty? We're all innocent. can we be guilty? We're all innocent. can we be guilty? We're all innocent. We're just pawns. That's it. We don't We're just pawns. That's it. We don't We're just pawns. That's it. We don't need Jesus to die on the cross. God just need Jesus to die on the cross. God just need Jesus to die on the cross. God just does what he does. He moves the pieces does what he does. He moves the pieces does what he does. He moves the pieces around. I'm innocent and I don't need a around. I'm innocent and I don't need a around. I'm innocent and I don't need a redeemer. You see, for the whole of the Bible to You see, for the whole of the Bible to make sense, you have to believe those make sense, you have to believe those make sense, you have to believe those two propositions. I began with God is two propositions. I began with God is two propositions. I began with God is absolutely sovereign but his sovereignty never functions to but his sovereignty never functions to mitigate human guilt.

mitigate human guilt. mitigate human guilt. Human beings are morally responsible Human beings are morally responsible Human beings are morally responsible creatures. But our moral responsibility never means But our moral responsibility never means God's asleep at the switch. God's asleep at the switch. God's asleep at the switch. He still remains sovereign. He still He still remains sovereign. He still He still remains sovereign. He still remains control. I don't claim to know exactly how to I don't claim to know exactly how to understand those two propositions side understand those two propositions side understand those two propositions side by side. by side. by side. For those of you interested in such For those of you interested in such For those of you interested in such things, the view that both of them are things, the view that both of them are things, the view that both of them are true, which I think is taught everywhere true, which I think is taught everywhere true, which I think is taught everywhere in the Bible, is sometimes called in the Bible, is sometimes called in the Bible, is sometimes called compatibilism. compatibilism. compatibilism. That is to say, the two propositions are That is to say, the two propositions are That is to say, the two propositions are mutually compatible. You can sensibly mutually compatible. You can sensibly mutually compatible. You can sensibly believe both of them. If I had enough time, I would tease out If I had enough time, I would tease out the ways you can show that they are not the ways you can show that they are not the ways you can show that they are not incompatible. That is, you can make incompatible. That is, you can make incompatible. That is, you can make sense of them. There are mysteries bound sense of them. There are mysteries bound sense of them. There are mysteries bound up in all of this. Partly because up in all of this. Partly because up in all of this. Partly because I don't know what it means to say, I don't know what it means to say, I don't know what it means to say, though the Bible says it, that God though the Bible says it, that God though the Bible says it, that God inhabits eternity.

inhabits eternity. inhabits eternity. I don't know how the God who inhabits I don't know how the God who inhabits I don't know how the God who inhabits eternity does things in space and time. eternity does things in space and time. eternity does things in space and time. I think I know something about space and I think I know something about space and I think I know something about space and time. I too studied the new physics and time. I too studied the new physics and time. I too studied the new physics and Einstein's relativity theory that my my Einstein's relativity theory that my my Einstein's relativity theory that my my background was in chemistry and nuclear background was in chemistry and nuclear background was in chemistry and nuclear chemistry and and that sort of thing. I chemistry and and that sort of thing. I chemistry and and that sort of thing. I too took quantum physics. I think I too took quantum physics. I think I too took quantum physics. I think I understand a little bit about time understand a little bit about time understand a little bit about time understood from an Einsteinian understood from an Einsteinian understood from an Einsteinian perspective. perspective. perspective. Don't ask me to explain eternity. Is Don't ask me to explain eternity. Is Don't ask me to explain eternity. Is that like more time going both ways or that like more time going both ways or that like more time going both ways or is it another dimension or what is it? is it another dimension or what is it? is it another dimension or what is it? God inhabits etern what does that mean? God inhabits etern what does that mean? God inhabits etern what does that mean? Does that mean God lives a long long Does that mean God lives a long long Does that mean God lives a long long long long time endlessly in both long long time endlessly in both long long time endlessly in both directions? Is that all it means? And directions? Is that all it means? And directions? Is that all it means? And yet this God who inhabits eternity does yet this God who inhabits eternity does yet this God who inhabits eternity does things in space-time history where I things in space-time history where I things in space-time history where I live. And I don't know how he does all live. And I don't know how he does all live. And I don't know how he does all of that. I I I I don't know. All I know of that. I I I I don't know. All I know of that. I I I I don't know. All I know is that the Bible is is that the Bible is is that the Bible is unambiguous about both of those unambiguous about both of those unambiguous about both of those propositions being true. And the only propositions being true. And the only propositions being true. And the only way I can maintain both of them and not way I can maintain both of them and not way I can maintain both of them and not drive myself insane thinking about them drive myself insane thinking about them drive myself insane thinking about them is by being very careful to let both of is by being very careful to let both of is by being very careful to let both of those propositions function in my life those propositions function in my life those propositions function in my life the way they function in the Bible. Let the way they function in the Bible. Let the way they function in the Bible. Let me repeat that. That's very important.

me repeat that. That's very important. me repeat that. That's very important. It's important not only to believe both It's important not only to believe both It's important not only to believe both of those propositions, but to let them of those propositions, but to let them of those propositions, but to let them function in my life the way they function in my life the way they function in my life the way they function in the Bible. For example, what function in the Bible. For example, what function in the Bible. For example, what does the Bible infer from the fact that does the Bible infer from the fact that does the Bible infer from the fact that God is sovereign? What how how is God's God is sovereign? What how how is God's God is sovereign? What how how is God's sovereignty used in the Bible? Is it sovereignty used in the Bible? Is it sovereignty used in the Bible? Is it ever used to say, "Well, God's ever used to say, "Well, God's ever used to say, "Well, God's sovereign, so we believe in fatalism. K. sovereign, so we believe in fatalism. K. sovereign, so we believe in fatalism. K. What will be will be? I can do anything What will be will be? I can do anything What will be will be? I can do anything I truly will please because God's I truly will please because God's I truly will please because God's sovereign." And oh, you know, if I eat sovereign." And oh, you know, if I eat sovereign." And oh, you know, if I eat Cheerios today, it's because God Cheerios today, it's because God Cheerios today, it's because God ordained that I I eat Cheerios. And if I ordained that I I eat Cheerios. And if I ordained that I I eat Cheerios. And if I I'm an Armenian, it's because God I'm an Armenian, it's because God I'm an Armenian, it's because God ordained me to be an Armenian. And if I ordained me to be an Armenian. And if I ordained me to be an Armenian. And if I sleep around, God ordained it. I mean, sleep around, God ordained it. I mean, sleep around, God ordained it. I mean, what will be will be God's sovereign? what will be will be God's sovereign? what will be will be God's sovereign? Well, you can't escape that. No sweat. Well, you can't escape that. No sweat. Well, you can't escape that. No sweat. Is does the Bible ever use God's Is does the Bible ever use God's Is does the Bible ever use God's sovereignty that way? I don't think so. It does use God's sovereignty instead It does use God's sovereignty instead to establish the mystery of providence to establish the mystery of providence to establish the mystery of providence to establish a job saying, "Though he to establish a job saying, "Though he to establish a job saying, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust him." It uses slay me, yet will I trust him." It uses slay me, yet will I trust him." It uses God's sovereignty to to to to draw out God's sovereignty to to to to draw out God's sovereignty to to to to draw out Romans 8:28.

Romans 8:28. Romans 8:28. We we still can believe that all things We we still can believe that all things We we still can believe that all things do work together for the good of those do work together for the good of those do work together for the good of those who love God who are the called who love God who are the called who love God who are the called according to his purpose. Did did you according to his purpose. Did did you according to his purpose. Did did you see? see? see? And if you you start by by saying human And if you you start by by saying human And if you you start by by saying human beings are responsible, what is inferred beings are responsible, what is inferred beings are responsible, what is inferred from that? from that? from that? Oh, the Bible never uses human Oh, the Bible never uses human Oh, the Bible never uses human responsibility to to to to drive you to responsibility to to to to drive you to responsibility to to to to drive you to the conclusion, well, because we're the conclusion, well, because we're the conclusion, well, because we're responsible, God has just decided to responsible, God has just decided to responsible, God has just decided to back off and let us make our own choices back off and let us make our own choices back off and let us make our own choices without any influence or any sovereign without any influence or any sovereign without any influence or any sovereign sweep anywhere. Even he himself, poor sweep anywhere. Even he himself, poor sweep anywhere. Even he himself, poor chap, doesn't quite see the consequences chap, doesn't quite see the consequences chap, doesn't quite see the consequences of all that we do. But he wants us to of all that we do. But he wants us to of all that we do. But he wants us to have our perfect freedom and our have our perfect freedom and our have our perfect freedom and our responsibility is grounded in the responsibility is grounded in the responsibility is grounded in the perfect capacity to say yes or no. perfect capacity to say yes or no. perfect capacity to say yes or no. The Bible never reasons that way. Lots The Bible never reasons that way. Lots The Bible never reasons that way. Lots of preachers reason that way, but that's of preachers reason that way, but that's of preachers reason that way, but that's not the way the Bible reasons. not the way the Bible reasons. not the way the Bible reasons. The Bible reasons that we're held The Bible reasons that we're held The Bible reasons that we're held accountable because And we're held responsible for it. We And we're held responsible for it. We are morally responsible people. We're are morally responsible people. We're are morally responsible people. We're held accountable. And yet God is never held accountable. And yet God is never held accountable. And yet God is never outf foxed, outmaneuvered, outf foxed, outmaneuvered, outf foxed, outmaneuvered, outplayed.

outplayed. outplayed. He He still remains in charge. So that if we learn to let the Bible use So that if we learn to let the Bible use these two truths in our lives, these two truths in our lives, these two truths in our lives, the way these truths function in the the way these truths function in the the way these truths function in the Bible, we will find it immensely stabilizing we will find it immensely stabilizing for all that we say and do. for all that we say and do. for all that we say and do. Now, I know it's lunchtime, but I want Now, I know it's lunchtime, but I want Now, I know it's lunchtime, but I want to take just a couple minutes to give to take just a couple minutes to give to take just a couple minutes to give you one or two examples of this so that you one or two examples of this so that you one or two examples of this so that it's not just theoretical, it's it's not just theoretical, it's it's not just theoretical, it's practical, and then after lunch, I'll practical, and then after lunch, I'll practical, and then after lunch, I'll give you a whole batch more. God then uses some of these horrible God then uses some of these horrible things in our lives things in our lives things in our lives in a variety of ways. And sometimes we in a variety of ways. And sometimes we in a variety of ways. And sometimes we can see how this mystery of providence can see how this mystery of providence can see how this mystery of providence is working out for good. Sometimes we is working out for good. Sometimes we is working out for good. Sometimes we don't see it right away, but sometimes don't see it right away, but sometimes don't see it right away, but sometimes we see it. For example, we see it. For example, we see it. For example, in two Corinthians especially, the in two Corinthians especially, the in two Corinthians especially, the Apostle Paul speaks of the sufferings Apostle Paul speaks of the sufferings Apostle Paul speaks of the sufferings that he's endured that he's endured that he's endured such that he has learned to be able to give he has learned to be able to give comfort to others with a comfort that he comfort to others with a comfort that he comfort to others with a comfort that he himself has been comforted with.

In other words, God has prepared him to In other words, God has prepared him to help others by going through really help others by going through really help others by going through really rocky times. rocky times. rocky times. Those of you who have been around a Those of you who have been around a Those of you who have been around a little longer and who have suffered, little longer and who have suffered, little longer and who have suffered, if you've learned to trust Christ at all if you've learned to trust Christ at all if you've learned to trust Christ at all in his sovereignty, isn't that one of in his sovereignty, isn't that one of in his sovereignty, isn't that one of the things you've learned? You you've the things you've learned? You you've the things you've learned? You you've learned that you can bring comfort to learned that you can bring comfort to learned that you can bring comfort to others. others. others. If you're not just so focused in on If you're not just so focused in on If you're not just so focused in on yourself, you start becoming a channel yourself, you start becoming a channel yourself, you start becoming a channel of God's blessing in this broken world of God's blessing in this broken world of God's blessing in this broken world to other people. My wife's always been a pretty My wife's always been a pretty compassionate soul. she has become a positive angel toward she has become a positive angel toward any number of other women who have come any number of other women who have come any number of other women who have come down with similar cancers. She knows what they're going through. She knows what they're going through. She knows what the doctors don't always She knows what the doctors don't always She knows what the doctors don't always tell them.

tell them. tell them. She's seen the worst elements of almost She's seen the worst elements of almost She's seen the worst elements of almost all the treatments. all the treatments. all the treatments. She's written up pages that she She's written up pages that she She's written up pages that she sometimes gives to them, what Christian sometimes gives to them, what Christian sometimes gives to them, what Christian books are useful and what are not. How books are useful and what are not. How books are useful and what are not. How to provide support to provide support to provide support when they're so weak and going for yet when they're so weak and going for yet when they're so weak and going for yet one more round of radiation. one more round of radiation. one more round of radiation. When your hair will fall out, why you need to buy a head covering or a why you need to buy a head covering or a wig before it happens. And I tell you, she never would have And I tell you, she never would have been an angel like that or a help if she been an angel like that or a help if she been an angel like that or a help if she hadn't gone through it. Now, I'm not hadn't gone through it. Now, I'm not hadn't gone through it. Now, I'm not saying going through was a good thing. saying going through was a good thing. saying going through was a good thing. This is part of living in a damped This is part of living in a damped This is part of living in a damped world. Cancer is still the result of the world. Cancer is still the result of the world. Cancer is still the result of the fall. It's not an intrinsically good fall. It's not an intrinsically good fall. It's not an intrinsically good thing. But God is sovereign and uses thing. But God is sovereign and uses thing. But God is sovereign and uses even such awful things even such awful things even such awful things to bring about a surprising array of to bring about a surprising array of to bring about a surprising array of good things. And you wonder if you'll ever get out of And you wonder if you'll ever get out of it.

And in the mercy of God, if you're a And in the mercy of God, if you're a serious Christian at all, a year down serious Christian at all, a year down serious Christian at all, a year down the road, two years down the road, three the road, two years down the road, three the road, two years down the road, three years down the road, you are exactly years down the road, you are exactly years down the road, you are exactly God's appointed person to bring comfort God's appointed person to bring comfort God's appointed person to bring comfort to others with a comfort with which you to others with a comfort with which you to others with a comfort with which you yourself have been comforted. And you've yourself have been comforted. And you've yourself have been comforted. And you've learned in all of this something of how learned in all of this something of how learned in all of this something of how Christ does come by his spirit and bring Christ does come by his spirit and bring Christ does come by his spirit and bring counsel and hope. You've received from counsel and hope. You've received from counsel and hope. You've received from other Christians. You've received help other Christians. You've received help other Christians. You've received help from reading certain parts of the Bible. from reading certain parts of the Bible. from reading certain parts of the Bible. You've discovered what biblical truths You've discovered what biblical truths You've discovered what biblical truths and and and what promises from God have and and and what promises from God have and and and what promises from God have been of great sucker to you. You've made been of great sucker to you. You've made been of great sucker to you. You've made notes on them yourself. And now you pass notes on them yourself. And now you pass notes on them yourself. And now you pass them on to the next person. And you start seeing how the mystery of And you start seeing how the mystery of providence providence providence works out in ways you never would have works out in ways you never would have works out in ways you never would have foreseen and certainly wouldn't have foreseen and certainly wouldn't have foreseen and certainly wouldn't have asked for. Both to bring glory to his son and Both to bring glory to his son and strengthen and help to another strengthen and help to another strengthen and help to another generation of his people. Is that your generation of his people. Is that your generation of his people. Is that your experience?