That day: unlike any other

Job 31:35-37
I was reading Job and came across this passage. At first, it surprised me to see Job make such an arrogant statement, and then I thought it sounded pretty typical of man. It reads "Oh, that I had someone to hear me! I sign now my defense – let the Almighty answer me; let my accuser put his indictment in writing. Surely, I would wear it on my shoulder; I would put it on like a crown. I would give him an account of my every step; like a prince I would approach him (31:35-37)." Job made the same mistake that a lot people continue to make to this day. Simply put, Job was under the impression that his greatest deeds were enough to contend with the All Mighty. He thought that because of his righteousness and all his blessings that he was above reproach, even before the Lord. This is why when trouble struck he chose to justify himself, rather than God. Unfortunately, for Job, God did not agree with his theory. Instead, God replied, "Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you and you shall answer me (Job 38:2). As soon as Job won his audience with the All Mighty, he realized he had over played his hand. Thus he said "I am unworthy – How can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth. I spoke once, but I have no answer – twice, but I will say no more (Job 40:1)." Now, just like Job, there will come a day when we will have to answer to God for all we have said and done upon the earth, a time to account for all the murder, and bloodshed, along with all the lies and dishonest deeds (2 Corinthians 5:10, Romans 2:16; 14:10, 12). A time when our own self-righteousness and all we have achieved will no longer suffice, when it will take more than just deeds to contend with the Almighty. It will be a time when "For God" and "For country" cannot be spoken in the same breath, when all mankind will stand alone before his creator. On that day, God will say, "Brace yourself like a man" and the earth will once again tremble at the presence of its Lord. It will be a day of reckoning. The question that you must ask yourself is how will you present your case before the righteous judge? Will you give God an account of your every step? What words will you use in your defense? I tell you, NONE. For neither word nor sigh will slip from your lips before you feel the precious blood of Jesus pouring over you. Our advocate has already spoken. He has been called, by God, to stand along side us (1 John 2:1). He has made his claim, and his words echo throughout eternity: "This one is MINE!" He is our righteousness, our new way into the most Holy Place. Will you let him speak for you on that day, or will you, like Job, attempt to stand in your own defense? Will you challenge your accuser to bring charge against you? Will you contend with the Almighty? Will you say anything at all, on that day? Or, will Jesus speak for you?  [mp]

Copyright © 2004
Michael D'Urbano
All rights reserved
www.modernpapyrus.org