(Job 13:4) "But ye are forgers of lies, ye are all physicians of no value."
Most of us are familiar with the story of Job. In the opening chapters we find that there is a confrontation between Satan and God. In the course of time, God allows Satan to attack Job in a number of ways to test his character. He lost his family, his possessions, and his health. Yet he still maintained his integrity before God. As the book unfolds we are introduced to several of his so-called 'friends' who come by to speak with him.
The majority of the book is made up of these conversations between Job and his 'friends'. They are accusatory and Job is defensive. As the book comes to a close God restores to Job all that was lost and more. Our text this morning comes from one of the many dialogues between Job and his 'friends'. Job tells them, that rather than offering any help, they are nothing more than 'physicians of no value.' I think you understand what Job is trying to say here.
There is nothing quite so frustrating as to go to the doctor (who is supposed to be able to offer some relief and some help in times of pain and suffering) only to have them tell us that they don't know or they can't help.
Let me make some observations and applications to our situation today. We understand that Jesus is the great Physician. He is the One who can meet our needs…He is the One who can ease our pain…He is the One who can heal our hurts... But we, as believers, are His representatives to a sick and hurting world today.
Remember when the man brought his son to Jesus for help. He told him that he had brought the boy to the disciples, but they could not cure him.
(Mat 17:14-17) "…there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, {15} Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is a lunatic, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. {16} And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him."
God help us as a church, and God help us as believers to able to help those who are hurting. May it not be said of us, 'they are physicians of no value.' How can we become of value to those who are hurting?
I. We Must Recognize the Need.
A. People need the Lord.
1. Everyday they pass me by … I can see it in their eyes … empty people filled with care … headed who knows where.
2. Those words are powerful and they speak to the need of people all around us.
3. The greatest need that people have is their need for the Lord.
4. It is a spiritual need that can only be met by a loving and caring God.
5. God has chosen us to carry the message of hope to them and point them to Jesus.
B. Can we see it?
1. The real question and challenge of the song is to you and me.
2. Can we recognize that need?
3. If so, then what are we doing about it?
C. If we are turning away from those in need, or if we are taking an attitude like Job's 'friends' we are of no value to them.
II. We Must Have a Clear Understanding of Duty.
(Eccl 12:13) "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man."
A. Jesus saw the multitude and was moved with compassion.
1. That means He did something…He was moved to action on their behalf.
2. Compassion is putting ourselves in their place and then acting upon it.
3. In some states they have passed laws condemning those who would see a need and refuse to get involved in helping.
4. It is referred to as 'depraved indifference' to life.
5. The word depraved means corrupted or perverted.
6. Indifference simply means that we don't care.
7. Oh, may it not be said of us that we don't care what happens to those who are hurting and in need of Jesus Christ.
B. We are called to action.
(Col 4:5) "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time."
1. Our walk is to be a forward walk toward those who are without Christ.
2. Jesus commanded us to GO into all the world…to GO and teach all nations.
3. The time is short…what we do must be done now.
4. 'Redeeming the time' means taking advantage of every opportunity God gives us.
C. Note: Jude 22
(Jude 1:22-23) "And of some have compassion, making a difference: {23} And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh."
1. That is what it is all about.
2. Making a difference and pulling people from the fires of hell.
3. We often read of some heroic deed performed when someone is rescued from a fire or similar situation…
4. Our reward will come when we see others come to Christ and know that they have eternal life!
5. That is the best reward of all!
III. We Must Be People of Vision.
(Prov 29:18) "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he."
A. The vision comes from God's Word.
1. It is revealed to us not through some voice or dream…
2. It is revealed through the Bible as we read, study, and apply the Word to our lives.
3. We must have a vision for what God desires to do through us and for the lost and hurting people of this world.
B. We need to be faithful to complete the task given to us.
(Acts 20:24) "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God."
1. Paul's desire was to finish his course.
2. Later, just before he was beheaded for his faith, Paul made this statement.
(2 Tim 4:7) "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:"
3. If we are going to be of value to those who are hurting in this world, we must be committed to finishing the course.
4. Are we people of vision?
5. Are we faithful to our Lord?
6. People in this world depend upon us, we have the answer that they are desperately seeking.
Perhaps you are hurting today…may I encourage you to come today and allow us to minister to you. Perhaps you have been challenged by the message concerning our walk with Christ. May we not be 'physicians of no value' to those around us who are hurting. Come today and let God have His way in our lives.