18th December 2025

18th December 2025


Pray (ACts) 


Read (Job 40v3-5)


Message (Scott Woodburn)


When I was younger I firmly believed that I would become a politician. Why? I was full of opinions and I wasn't shy in sharing them. I'm thankful that the Lord had other plans for my life and He knew that my big mouth would one day be used to preach the Gospel. Nevertheless, I am justified yet at the same time sinful and so there are moments my mouth utters words that have no business being in my head never mind my tongue. No wonder James said "the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness." (James 3v6). It is a wise person who knows the power of the tongue and when to be quiet.


Job had longed to meet the Lord face to face and the Lord graciously granted his wish. Yet as the Lord showed Job the huge chasm between God and man, it left Job utterly speechless. He answered the Lord and said “Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth. I have spoken once, and I will not answer; twice, but I will proceed no further.” (Job 40v4-5). Job realised something incredibly vital - that in comparison to God we are but a tiny insignificant speck. The Lord has shaped the furthest reaches of the universe and walked in the deepest parts of the earth - who are we to shake an angry fist at Him and state that He doesn't know what He is doing?


Job had no answer to the Lord's grandeur and so he put his hand across his mouth and vowed to say nothing more. In this regard I am reminded of what Peter said about Jesus "He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly." (1 Peter 2v22-23). With Jesus there were no lies, no empty boasts, no idle threats and when He stood before Pilate, He stood silently entrusted Himself to God. Brothers and sisters, we do not always need to speak, we do not need to add to the gossip and we do not always need to question. There are times that silence is to be preferred not least when we are confronted by the extraordinary majesty of God.


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q48 What are we specially taught by these words, before me,” in the first commandment? These words, before me,” in the first commandment teach us, that God, who seeth all things, taketh notice of, and is much displeased with, the sin of having any other God.
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