Who Then Is He That Can Stand Before Me?
The sermon explores the question of whether we can stand before God and the answer is found in Jesus Christ, who makes it possible for us to draw near to God.
F.B. Meyer explores the profound question of who can stand before God, emphasizing the vast chasm between human frailty and divine holiness. He illustrates that if one cannot withstand the presence of earthly creatures, how much more should one fear standing before the Creator. However, through Jesus Christ, believers are granted access to God, allowing them to approach the Most Holy with boldness and confidence. Meyer highlights that Jesus, as the minister of the heavenly sanctuary, enables us to stand before God, fulfilling His will in our lives. Ultimately, it is through Christ's sacrifice that we can dwell in the eternal light of God's presence.
Text
Who then is he that can stand before Me? Job xii. 10 (R.V.).
THE first catechism had been on Job's knowledge; now it turns on his power. The pivot of the one was, Knowest thou? of the other, Canst thou? If a man cannot stand before one of God's creatures, how much less before the Creator! If we dread the wrath of the enraged crocodile, what should not be our dread before the wrath of the Eternal? Canst thou stand before Him? Canst thou strive against Him, with any hope of success? Canst thou force thyself, unbidden and unfit, into the presence of the Most Holy? Thou couldst not intrude on an earthly sovereign; how much less on Him, in whose sight the heavens are not clean?
"Eternal light! eternal light!
how pure the soul must be,
When placed within thy searching light,
It shrinks not, but with calm delight
Can live, and look on Thee!"
But Jesus can make it possible. Through Him we draw nigh to God. We have boldness to enter into the Holiest of All by his Blood. We may, through Him, be able to say, with Elijah, "Thus saith Jehovah, before whom I stand." Jesus is the minister of the heavenly sanctuary, and in virtue of his office He is able to bring us into, and maintain us within, the Most Holy Place. He comes out to take its by the hand; and then, having fulfilled in us the good pleasure of his will, He brings us in and places us before the face of God for ever. Like Solomon's servants, we evermore stand before the king, see his face, and hear his words.
"The sons of ignorance and night
May dwell in the Eternal Light,
Through the Eternal Love."
Sermon Outline
- I. The Question of Job
- A. Canst thou stand before God?
- B. Canst thou strive against Him with hope of success?
- C. Canst thou intrude into the presence of the Most Holy?
- II. The Answer of Jesus
- A. Through Him we draw nigh to God
- B. We have boldness to enter into the Holiest of All by His Blood
- III. The Ministry of Jesus
- A. He is the minister of the heavenly sanctuary
- B. He brings us into and maintains us within the Most Holy Place
Key Quotes
“Eternal light! eternal light! how pure the soul must be, When placed within thy searching light, It shrinks not, but with calm delight Can live, and look on Thee!” — F.B. Meyer
“The sons of ignorance and night May dwell in the Eternal Light, Through the Eternal Love.” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- We must recognize our inability to stand before God without Jesus Christ.
- Through Jesus, we can draw near to God and experience His presence.
- Jesus' ministry in the heavenly sanctuary enables us to stand before God and receive His blessing.