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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadJabez Burns Sermons: 704. Job 10:1. Job's Weariness of Life. [No. VII.]
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Job_10:1. Job's Weariness of Life. [No. VII.]
"My soul is weary of my life."—Job_10:1.
It is of great importance that we should obtain a correct view of the character and spirit of Job. As to his original rectitude and sincerity God has testified most distinctly; chap. Job_1:8, &c.
His afflictions were of the most distressing kind; and his friends drew the most erroneous inferences from them. They concluded that he was suffering on account of his sins—no doubt, secret sins. Job knew the integrity of his heart, and therefore was goaded and distracted by their insinuations. In this state of mind, he was betrayed into many unjustifiable expressions. He reflected on the government of God; and he even wished and prayed for the extinction of his life. Thus in Job we see a good man—but yet only a man at best.
Let us consider,
I. The various circumstances under which the sentiment of the text has been expressed.
II. The evil the sentiment contains. And,
III. The means by which the evil may bo remedied.
I. The various circumstances under which the sentiment of the text has been expressed.
The Scriptures furnish several striking incidents illustrative of this part of the subject.
We see it,
1. As the result of apostasy and despair, as in king Saul.
How fearful his case! How bright and exalted at one time his career! But he became disobedient, and apostatized from God,—then he became utterly wretched, and at length was weary of his life. See 1Sa_28:15; and 1Sa_31:3. So also the case of Judas; Mat_27:3, Mat_27:4.
2. As the result of mortified pride, as in the case of Ahithophel.
See 2Sa_17:23; also Jon_4:2.
How often has a similar spirit led to the like result, both in ancient and modern times. Political disgrace,—reverse of circumstances,—some public dishonor, &c.
3. As the result of sudden fear and despondency.
The case of Elijah. 1Ki_19:1-4.
Here we see the mind suddenly overcome, and sinking under the influence of fear and despondency. Sometimes we see it in,
4. Its sanctified aspect,—as in the case of David and Paul.
"Oh, that I had wings," &c. Anxious to enter on the heavenly rest—the port of life. So the apostle: "I have a desire to depart," &c. But this desire was held in abeyance to the divine will, and to his usefulness in the church. "Nevertheless to abide," &c.
Let us,
II. Consider the evil which this state of mind involves.
Of course we do not refer to the last instance, but where, as in the text, the soul exclaims—"My soul is weary," &c.
1. It is a sin against the author of our life.
He gave it—sustains it—it is in his hand. He knows best what to do with it, and will do the best. It is his prerogative, and not ours, &c.
2. It is a sin against the divine bounty and goodness.
It contains the essential element of discontent. Has not much mercy distinguished our lives? &c. How rich the blessings! how few compared the sorrows, &c. "Wherefore should a living man complain," &c.
3. It is a sin against our own souls. Life is given for the most important ends, and the most momentous purposes. Never too long for these. Think of its duties, and responsibilities, and results—and then, can we be "weary?" &c.
4. It is a sin against those around us. We are not to live to ourselves—others are bound up with us. Families—friends—the church of Christ—the world. Passion, temper, pique, &c., should not warp or poison our spirits. It is selfish inconsideration.
III. The means by which the evil may be removed.
1. By an active attention to the duties of life.
These are sufficiently numerous and onerous, to keep us occupied. The diligent and energetic have no time to sit and mope, and exclaim—"My soul is weary," &c. To such, time ever flies,—years appear as dreams. Life seems too short, &c. Diligence in our callings, and useful activity in our spheres, are the very best preventives to dulness and melancholy.
2. By cherishing lowly and correct views of ourselves.
Who are we? What our true character—deserts? Creatures, sinners, exposed to wrath and eternal misery! shall we quarrel with the good God—our merciful, longsuffering Redeemer? Should it not be as with Job, in his happier hours: "I will wait all the days," &c.
3. An earnest and constant preparation for the life to come.
Think of the future world. Its holiness, services, &c. How much is needful to a complete meetness. Instead of expressing the language of the text, we should often pray—"Oh, spare me, that I may recover my strength, before I go hence," &c.
Learn,—
1. The evil of fretfulness and impatience. How liable we are to sin in our haste and impetuosity. In patience possess ye your souls.
2. The great need of preserving and sanctifying grace.
How weak and frail are the very best.
3. The importance of living for eternity.