In order to gain the joys of resurrection life, we must lay aside our own claims to righteousness for the righteousness that comes from God by faith in Jesus Christ.

Job cries out in anguish of soul. Yet, he does not curse his God. In stead, much of his anguish reflects a desire for God when he feels forsaken.

Where is our hope when we are as good as dead? When all is lost but God, we have lost relatively little compared to what we have gained.

God is a worthy object of worship. Whether from the heights of blessing or lows of grief, the gift cannot replace the value of the giver.

This sermon is an introduction to the book of Job and a look at the prologue. The prologue presents Job as a righteous man of faith in the one true God, setting the stage for the rest of the book and the perplexities it presents us with.

How can we lay aside the sins of pride and probing God's providence? These sins only cause anxiety. True rest comes as we enjoy childlike trust and hope in the Lord.

The Lord promises Zerubbabel that he would make him like a signet ring. He will make him as the imprint of his own kingship before all the world, laying bare the enemies of his people and fulfilling the Davidic royal promise. All of this comes to its fullest expression in the arrival of King Jesus.

Will a clean hand leave a clean mark? No. However, the purity of Christ cleanses the most vile of sinners.

How quick we are to forget God's covenant promises. We focus on appearances and thus become despondent. God encourages his people with his covenant promises and gives them the certain hope of covenant fulfillment.

The Lord is with his people. The remnant of Judah heard this promise as they were called to rebuild the temple. We enjoy this promise in the person of Jesus Christ, Emmanuel.