The Book of Job
Book of Job, 15
A Sermon from a Rush
Job 8:11-13
Pastor’s Opening
ISAAC walked in the fields at eventide to meditate. I commend him for his occupation. Meditation is exceedingly profitable to the mind. If we talked less, read less, and meditated more, we should be wiser men. I commend him for the season which he chose for that occupation — at eventide. When the business of the day was over, and the general stillness of nature was in harmony with the quiet of his soul. I also commend him for the place which he selected — the wide expanse of nature — the field. Wise men can readily find a thousand subjects for contemplation abroad in the open country. Our four-square room is not very suggestive; but when a man walks in the fields, having the Lord in his heart, and his whole mental faculties directed towards heavenly things, all things aid him in his pleasing occupation.
Scripture Citation and Verse(s)
Job 8:11-13
“Can the rush grow up without mire? can the flag grow without water? Whilst it is yet in his greenness, and not cut down, it withereth before any other herb. So are the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrites hope shall perish.”
Main Theme(s)
I. First, then, THE HYPOCRITE’S PROFESSION: WHAT IS IT LIKE? It is here compared to a rush growing in the mire, and a flag flourishing in the water.
II. Secondly, we have to consider WHAT IT IS THAT THE HYPOCRITE’S RELIGIONS LIVES ON. “Can the rush grow up without mire? Can the flag grow without water?”
III. We have a third point to close with, and that is, WHAT BECOMES OF THE HYPOCRITE’S HOPE?
