The Young Preacher

Job 33

I remember the first message I ever preached. It was BAD. I wish that I had started out like Elihu did. Having a few more years under my belt, and having seen many new preachers starting out now, it is true that many begin with a similar message as Elihu. As we will see, he starts with preaching Salvation. Honestly, what better place is there for a young preacher to begin?

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He is chastened also with pain upon his bed,

And the multitude of his bones with strong pain:

20 So that his life abhorreth bread,

And his soul dainty meat.

21 His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen;

And his bones that were not seen stick out.

22 Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave,

And his life to the destroyers.

23 If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter,

One among a thousand,

To shew unto man his uprightness:

24 Then he is gracious unto him, and saith,

Deliver him from going down to the pit:

I have found a ransom.

25 His flesh shall be fresher than a child’s:

He shall return to the days of his youth:

26 He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him:

And he shall see his face with joy:

For he will render unto man his righteousness.

27 He looketh upon men, and if any say,

I have sinned, and perverted that which was right,

And it profited me not;

28 He will deliver his soul from going into the pit,

And his life shall see the light.

Job 33:19-28

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Young preachers are often very direct in what they say. They do not mean to come across as crass or even hateful, but sometimes they do. Like food, words do not begin already seasoned with salt. Salt has to be added. As preachers, we learn to season our words with salt so that they are not unpalatable to the hearer. Elihu jumps right in and tells Job that he is dying because of sin. That is true. Unlike Job's other friends, Elihu doesn't try to name sins.

In verses 19-24 Elihu tells Job that our bodies are consumed as chastisement for sin. Young preachers tend to see sin in everything. While it is true that all suffering is a result of the curse of sin, it is not true that all suffering is a direct result of an individuals sins. I do not believe Elihu is trying to point fingers at Job, but rather point out that "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23).

In verses 23 and 24, Elihu goes on to talk about a preacher and a ransom. I read several commentaries on this scripture because I do not want to misrepresent the word of God. The direct application of this text is that when mankind learns the lesson God is trying to teach through our affliction, God will remove the affliction. This is true, but not always the way we would hope.

Salvation is three parts: justification, sanctification, and glorification. Justification is when we accept Christ as our Savior and receive his atonement for our sins. Sanctification is the process by which he makes us more in his image here on earth. Glorification is when we drop the sin cursed body and we receive our new body in heaven. All of this is salvation, but it occurs in stages. Do not misunderstand, we do not have to earn our salvation. Justification is by grace through faith. It is the work of Jesus alone.

What Elihu is describing is that sanctification. Job could only be sanctified because of the ransom that would be paid. Without that ransom, it was/is impossible to become more like Jesus. Sometimes when we learn our lesson through a trial, God does end the trial and heal our bodies, but there are other times when our healing comes through glorification.

Let me share two quick stories with you.

1. My grandmother was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2002. The doctors gave her 6 weeks to 6 months to live. Almost 2 years later my father was able to lead her to the Lord. One of the last things she did was go to church and hear me preach my first sermon. Then, shortly after that, she died. That suffering was necessary for her to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus. Then, God healed her by taking her to Heaven.

2. Just a few days ago one of the former teachers from my elementary school passed away from COVID-19. He was a faithful deacon and song leader at his church. From what I heard, the hospital was planning to release him because he was getting better. Then, he died. Through this process, God was working something for someone to hear and see his testimony. Again, God healed him by taking him to Heaven.

Dying is not always what happens. It would not be what would happen with Job. Job would be physically healed and he would also have his wealth restored. His purpose was to be healed and for his life to be a type of Christ. We do not know what God has in store for us. What he do know is that he wants to work in our lives for his glory and for his Son to be glorified. That is all we can hope for in our trials and suffering. Our part in it is to allow him to work and to praise his name.

Father, suffering and sickness will come. I pray that you would help me to learn the lessons you want to teach me. Also, help me to glorify your holy name in every circumstance.