We are told that a problem with ageing is that a man can become “grumpy”. This describes a character of complaint and resentment about being left on the shelf – sidelined. Perhaps it comes from fear? Perhaps it comes from a sense that his age is not respected?
The book of Job has four “grumpy old men” talking together
about theological issues surrounding the problem of suffering. A young man comes along and virtually silences them with his tirade! The young man’s voice is full of passion and –
well, youth! It lacks, perhaps, the
wisdom that comes from experience? It
tends, perhaps, to refer to sources rather than to personal experience?
Anyway, the Lord interrupts this flow with some strong
words:
Job 38:2 "Who is this that
darkens my counsel with words without knowledge?
Now, Job takes this to heart as you can see if you read on
to chapter 42 verse 3. He accepts that all the words made between the four men
have obscured the true counsel of God.
He accepts that his own words have obscured the truth of God’s wisdom.
I have to admit to grumpiness! There are a number of things that irritate me
that I took no notice of a decade ago. By this I mean spiritual things; things
about leading a congregation. Things
like believers who seem to travel in circles like Israel in the wilderness;
like Aaron who thought he had solutions to situations but failed to see that he
was part of the problem! I admit that I
struggle with the feeling that my age and experience in serving the Lord cut
little ice with younger people. I
struggle with the feeling that God Channel preachers are believed over what I
may have taught a person! I could, but
must not “go on”!
The lesson from Job is that five men of assorted age and
experience all obscured the true wisdom of God. I may well be concerned that a young man
leading and teaching might bring undigested teaching from a lack of
experience. This is just as possible for
an older man! The Lord was only 30 when
he began his ministry. I know – he is
the Lord! However, the men he chose were
not aged! All were young men! And they were the foundation of the church.
The real point about wisdom is that it is not a thing but a
person – THE CHRIST – Jesus! If a
teacher wishes to bring useful wisdom to his hearers then he must centre and
focus on the Lord Jesus Christ.
1Corinthians 1:24 … to those whom God has called, both Jews and
Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
So, the point of all this is not that a person be
experienced but that they truly KNOW the Lord Jesus. From this comes true wisdom and real
spiritual food. No amount of learning or
experience can substitute the teaching that comes from someone who knows the
Lord!
1John 2:3 We know that we have
come to know him if we obey his commands.
Hebrews 8:11 No longer will a
man teach his neighbour, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' because
they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest.
Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
