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Sermon #2423[i] — Miscellaneous Sermons
Title: Dark Providences Cleared In Due Time
Text: John 13:7 Subject: Lessons from the Foot Washing Reading: Psalm 77:1-20
Psalm 77 To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of Asaph.
1. I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me. 2. In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted. 3. I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. — Selah.
4. Thou holdest mine eyes waking: I am so troubled that I cannot speak. 5. I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times. 6. I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search. 7. Will the Lord cast off forever? And will he be favourable no more? 8. Is his mercy clean gone forever? Doth his promise fail for evermore? 9. Hath God forgotten to be gracious? Hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? — Selah.
10. And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High. 11. I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. 12. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings. 13. Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary. Who is so great a God as our God? 14. Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people. 15. Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. — Selah.
16. The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee; they were afraid: the depths also were troubled. 17. The clouds poured out water: the skies sent out a sound: thine arrows also went abroad. 18. The voice of thy thunder was in the heaven: the lightnings lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook. 19. Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known. 20. Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron. Introduction
How many times have you seen or known some terribly painful, traumatic, almost devastating thing, and thought to yourself, ÒWhat good can come of this? How is this going to work for good? How will this benefit anyone? Can this be honoring to God?Ó IÕve been there many, many times! I confess it to my shame; but IÕve been there many times.
Illustrations: Personal tragedies: — WayneÕs Murder — ToddÕs Sickness — DanetteÕs Aneurism — TinaÕs Attempts — Her Suicide — — Her DaughterÕs Suicide — AmandaÕs Aneurism ——— Earthly Disasters — Famine — War — Disease — Terrorism
We know that our heavenly Father is too wise to err, too strong to fail, and too good to do wrong. Yet, when tragedies come close to home, we cannot help asking, ÒWhy did this thing happen?Ó We may not openly say it, but we ask in frustration, perhaps in anger or resentment — ÒGod, what are you doing?Ó
If God the Holy Spirit will enable me, I want to give you a message from our Lord that will help to prepare you for the dark providences we face in this world of sin, suffering, and sorrow, darkness, disappointment, and distress, this world of hurt, heaviness, and heartache. You will find my text in the 13th chapter of the Gospel of John — John 13.
The title of my message is — Dark Providences Cleared In Due Time. In John 13, as our Savior began to wash his disciplesÕ feet, Peter was confused by the MasterÕs conduct and said to him, in verse 6, — ÒLord, Dost thou wash my feet?Ó Then, in verse 7, ÒJesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.Ó
When Jacob awoke from his dream, he said, ÒSurely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it notÓ (Genesis 28:16). When SamsonÕs strength was gone, we are told, ÒHe wist not that the Lord was departed from himÓ (Judges 16:20).
That which is said of our SaviorÕs presence and absence, his goings and comings, may also be said of his doings — ÒWhat I do,Ó he says, Òthou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.Ó
This word from our Savior in John 13:7, ÒWhat I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafterÓ specifically refers to our LordÕs act of washing his disciplesÕ feet. But it is a statement that is clearly applicable to GodÕs providence as well. We might well read these words written upon all the affairs of GodÕs providence. — ÒWhat I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.Ó
Proposition: The fact is, the design or intention of GodÕs works of providence are often, if not usually, hidden from his people; but they shall be revealed in due time.
William CowperÕs great hymn puts it like thisÉ
ÒGod moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform. He plants his footsteps in the sea And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines Of never failing skill, He treasures up His bright designs, And works His sovereign will.
His purposes will ripen fast, Unfolding every hour. The bud may have a bitter taste, But sweet will be the flower.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take, The clouds ye so much dread Are big with mercy and shall break, In blessing on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, But trust Him for His grace; Behind the frowning providence, He hides a smiling face.
Blind unbelief is sure to err And scan His work in vain. God is His own Interpreter; And He will make it plain.Ó
LetÕs read verses 1-20 together. Then, I want to show you six things that are clearly set before us in this passage of Holy Scripture. May God the Holy Spirit, who inspired John to record this event, now teach us its lessons.
John 13:1-20
1. Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. 2. And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, SimonÕs son, to betray him; 3. Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; 4. He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. 5. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciplesÕ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. 6. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? 7. Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. 8. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. 9. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. 10. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. 11. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. 12. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? 13. Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. 14. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one anotherÕs feet. 15. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. 16. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. 17. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. 18. I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me. 19. Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am (he). 20. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
Immutable Love
1st — The love of Christ for us is immutable and incessant (v. 1).
ÒNow before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, — having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.Ó (John 13:1)
These two statements are, to my soul, of more value than buckets of gold!
The love of Christ for his elect is a love surpassing thought. There is nothing like it in this world below. The narrow, self-centered thoughts, and words, and deeds of humanity cannot comprehend it. Our Savior knew that his disciples would all soon forsake him. Yet, he loved them to the end.
GodÕs Absolute Dominion
2nd — Learn this: GodÕs dominion over all things is absolute. Even the most base, vile, and despicable acts of reprobate men and women are under the absolute rule of our God and heavenly Father (vv. 2-3).
(John 13:2-3) ÒAnd supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; (3) Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God.Ó
Even the work of Satan himself is under the rule and control of our God and Savior (Psalm 76:10; Proverbs 16:4).
ÒHe employs the wicked themselves to carry on his work, and makes their wicked designs to contribute to advancement of his holy and glorious design; as he did make the treason of Judas, the sentence of Pilate, the malice of the Jews, to contribute for the work of redemption.Ó (Ralph Erskine)
ÒSurely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.Ó (Psalms 76:10)
ÒThe LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.Ó (Proverbs 16:4)
Yes, our heavenly Father wisely and sovereignly uses his enemies and ours, contrary to their will, to do that which will advance his cause, as when the Philistines were constrained to send the ark of God back to Israel (1 Samuel 5:1-7:17).
JudasÕ Brazen Hypocrisy
3rd — Nothing in all the world is more corrupt or more callous than the heart of a hypocrite. There sat Judas at the table with the Son of God and his disciples. But he had already struck his deal with the JewsÕ priests to betray the Savior (v. 2). — What brazen hypocrisy!
ÒAnd supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, SimonÕs son, to betray him;Ó (John 13:2)
Judas stands as a beacon to warn us of what deep corruption may be found in the hearts of very religious people.
We must not be surprised, overwhelmed, or overly disturbed when we find such hypocrites among GodÕs saints. Not all who are washed in the waters of baptism have been washed in the blood of Christ (v. 10). — ÒThey are not all Israel which are of IsraelÓ (Romans 9:6).
ÒJesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.Ó (John 13:10)
ÒExamine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?Ó (2 Corinthians 13:5)
ÒWherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.Ó (2 Peter 1:10)
Blood Washed
4th — I must again declare to you, eternity bound sinners, that we must be washed in the blood of Christ. The only way we can be saved is by being washed in the blood of Christ. The only saved sinner is the blood washed sinner (vv. 8-10).
ÒPeter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. 9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. 10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.Ó (John 13:8-10)
ÒWhat can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! Oh, precious is the flow That makes me white as snow! No other fount I know — Nothing but the blood of Jesus!Ó
(Zechariah 13:1) ÒIn that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.Ó
(1 Peter 1:18-21) ÒForasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.Ó
(1 John 1:7-9) ÒBut if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sinÉ — ÉIf we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.Ó
We cannot be saved unless Christ has washed us in his blood (1 Corinthians 6:11).
ÒKnow ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.Ó (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)
We must be washed in the blood judicially. That took place for all GodÕs elect when the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption and obtained eternal redemption for us at Calvary (Hebrews 1:3).
ÒGod, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.Ó (Hebrews 1:1-3)
We must be washed in the SaviorÕs blood experimentally, too. That takes place in regeneration and effectually calling, when God the Holy Ghost applies the cleansing blood to our hearts, giving us faith in Christ, purging our consciences of guilt before God, bringing life and immortality to light by the gospel (Titus 3:5; Hebrews 9:14).
(Titus 3:3-7) ÒFor we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.Ó
(Hebrews 9:12-14) ÒNeither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: 14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?Ó
Even those who are cleansed and forgiven need a daily application to the blood of Christ for daily pardon. — ÒThe blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sinÓ (1 John 1:7, 9).
ÒIf we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.Ó (1 John 1:9)
Illustration: Bathing in the Sea — Wash Sand from Their Feet
Humility Exemplified
5th — In this passage of Scripture the Lord Jesus gives us a blessed example of genuine humility and love (vv. 5-17).
(John 13:5-17) ÒAfter that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciplesÕ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. 6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? 7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. 8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. 9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. 10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. 11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. 12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? 13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one anotherÕs feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. 16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. 17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.Ó
True humility and love willingly condescends to do whatever is needed to meet the needs of those who are the objects of our love. Though it is apparent that our Savior washed JudasÕ feet, too, the message is in what he did for his disciples. — The Son of God stooped to wash his disciplesÕ feet, and he still does! —— When may it be said that Christ stoops to wash his disciplesÕ feet in a spiritual sense?
ÒThe dying thief rejoiced to see That fountain in his day; And there may I, though vile as he, Wash all my sins away!Ó
(1 John 1:9) ÒIf we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.Ó
(1 John 2:1-2) ÒMy little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.Ó
(Ezekiel 16:63) ÒThat thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth anymore because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord GOD.Ó
This self-denying, loving service is our responsibility to one another in this world (vv. 14-15).
ÒIf I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one anotherÕs feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.Ó (John 13:14-15)
In all things, ChristÕs example is our rule of life (1 John 3:16-17). And all who follow our LordÕs example find happiness and satisfaction in doing so. — ÒIf ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do themÓ(v. 17). Nothing brings greater joy to devoted saints than the privilege and grace ofÉ
Providence Cleared
6th — All the dark mysteries and painful experiences of GodÕs providence will be cleared up for GodÕs saints in GodÕs time (v. 7).
ÒJesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.Ó (John 13:7)
ÒJudge not the Lord by feeble sense, But trust Him for His grace. Behind the frowning providence, He hides a smiling face!
Blind unbelief is sure to err And scan His work in vain. God is His own Interpreter; And He will make it plain!Ó
Illustrations á JacobÕs Sorrows –—ÒAll these things are against me!Ó á JosephÕs Imprisonment á MosesÕ Commission – ÒThe tail of the bricksÓ á HamanÕs Gallows á PaulÕs Imprisonment at Philippi á Paul and Onesimus á The Shipwreck at Melita
ÒThy way, O God, is in the sanctuary; thy way is in the seas, thy paths in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not knownÓ (Psalm 77:13, 19).
ÒThy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deepÓ (Psalm 36:6).
ÒThe works of the Lord are great; sought out of all them that have pleasure thereinÓ (Psalm 111: 2).
á Sometimes GodÕs providence appears to contradict his promises — (Moses sent to deliver Israel – Exodus 5:21-23). á Sometimes GodÕs acts of mercy and grace in providence look and feel like acts of wrath and judgment (Job).
Isaiah 54:1-17
1. Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD. 2. Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes; 3. For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited. 4. Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood anymore. 5. For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.
6. ¦For the LORD hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God. 7. For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. 8. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer. 9. For this is as the waters of Noah unto me: for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee. 10. For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee. 11. ¦O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires. 12. And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones. 13. And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children. 14. In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee. 15. Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake. 16. Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy. 17. No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
á Sometimes God appears to be favorable to the wicked and indifferent, at best, to the righteous (Psalm 73). á Many, many things in this world are confusing to GodÕs people. — ÒWhat I do now, thou knowest not.Ó á When God gave Abraham a son, he required Abraham to sacrifice his son. á When Moses brought Israel up to Canaan, God refused to let him take Israel in to possess the land. á When time came to build the temple, David died. á Sometimes duty is set against duty (Father/Pastor). á Sometimes prophets are set against prophets (1 Kings 13). á God often lifts up with one hand and casts down with the other; heals with one and wounds with the other. — The demon possessed Son got worse when he first came to Christ (Mark 9:19, 26). — The ruler of the SynagogueÕs daughter died while Christ was walking with her father to heal her. — Lazarus died while the Savior waited!
Application
1. When we think the Lord is doing nothing, he is working for us. 2. When we think he has forsaken us, he is with us still (Song of Solomon 5). 3. When we think everything is against us, everything is loaded down with mercy for us. 4. Our Lord will not let us walk by sight here. He demands and deserves that we walk by faith. 5. ÒWhat I do now thou knowest not; but thou shalt know hereafter.Ó — In due time, he will inform us. á Sometimes During the Trouble (Sandy Parks Conversion) á Sometimes Shortly Afterward á Sometimes Long, Long Afterward — (The Father who Packed a Bible in His Rebel SonÕs Gear) á Certainly, in that Great Day when All Things are Made Known (Romans 11:33-36).
(Romans 11:33-36) ÒO the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! 34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? 35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? 36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory forever. Amen.Ó
Often I wonder, ÒWhy I must journey Over a road so rugged and steep? Why all the darkness? Why all the heartache? Why must Your chosen so often weep?Ó Farther along weÕll know more about it. Farther along weÕll understand why; Cheer up, believer, trust your great Savior. — WeÕll understand it all by and by!
Amen.
Don Fortner
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Pastor FortnerÕs
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[i] Lantana Grace Church, Crossville, TN — (FRI-06/15/18)
San Diego Sovereign Grace Fellowship, San Diego, CA (07/04/18)