Job 23:3 - Homiletics

A great question answered.

I. THE RECORDED QUESTION . "Oh that I knew where I might find him!"

1 . Necessary ; since man does not naturally understand either where or how to find God ( Romans 1:28 ; 1 Corinthians 1:21 ; Ephesians 4:18 ).

2 . Important ; since only in the finding and knowing God lies the secret of true happiness ( Job 22:21 ) and the pathway to eternal life ( John 17:3 ).

3 . Personal ; since no man can find God for his neighbour, but every individual for himself alone ( Ecclesiastes 11:9 ; Romans 2:6 ; Galatians 6:5 ).

4 . Urgent ; since the present is the only moment a soul can count upon for putting such a question ( Proverbs 27:1 ; 2 Corinthians 6:2 ).

II. THE UNWRITTEN ANSWER . God is to be found:

1 . In the Person of Jesus Christ ( 2 Corinthians 5:19 ), as opposed to the temple of nature, which may speak of God ( Psalms 19:1 ; Romans 1:20 ), but does not unveil his presence like the Incarnation.

2 . In the shrine of the human spirit ( John 4:23 , John 4:24 ), as opposed to definite localities. For the truly spiritual worshipper every spot of ground on which he stands is consecrated.

3 . In the contrite heart ( Isaiah 57:15 ), as opposed to the soul of the unbeliever.

Learn:

1 . The necessity of earnestness in seeking God.

2 . The certainty of finding God, if sought in faith.