Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for February 28, 2021

Providence, Pandemic and Perspective

Job 38-42

1. Introduction

• defining providence
• distinguishing providence from fate

2. Observations from Job 38-42

• Job suffers and his “friends” respond
• Job wants a meeting to present his “case” (31:35)
• Job is given a series of “knowledge” tests (38:3)
• Job gets a guided tour of the created order (38:4-39:30)
• Job is left speechless (40:1-5)
• The “lesson” continues (40:6-41:34)
• The reminder from 41:11
• repentance, rebuke and restoration (42)
• connection to Christ (Phil. 2:5-11)

3. What the LORD is saying through this pandemic

• Remember that you are not in control (Deut. 32:39)
• Worship only Me (Isa. 45:22-23)
• View your circumstances from My perspective (Psa. 34:18-22 and Isa. 40:8)
• Think bigger thoughts of Me (Isa. 55:8-9)
• Maximize the “mist” that is your life (James 4:13-17)

4. So What?

• The pervasive providence of God points us to the necessity of Christ being our pervasive reality.
• “The same sovereignty that could stop Covid yet doesn’t is the very sovereignty that sustains our souls in it.”
• “When your by-and-by is beautiful and sure, your here-and-now will be sweet and fruitful.”
• “This is not a season for sentimental views of God.” (Piper in Coronavirus and Christ)
• “He’s got the whole world in His hands…” (Warner)