Yesterday’s blog was petite, to say the least.  I’m still under the weather and camped out on the couch — but thank goodness for wireless laptops!

I’m not sure yet just what it is that God wants me to learn about Job.  I see the honesty of his prayers, as I’ve blogged about before, and that really has opened my eyes and ears to listen to the way I pray.  Am I pouring out my heart?  Not on a regular basis…at least not the way Job prays.  I’m still afflicted with the “shoulds.”  Gotta get past that somehow! (Lord, help me!)  Back when I first became a Christian, someone once suggested that I pattern my prayers after the psalms — sandwich the request in between praise for who God is, and thanking him at the end for what he’s going to do.  So it surprises me to read Job’s bold words.  I guess it surprised his friends as well, because they responded so defensively to his vehement words.

It’s interesting that one of the oldest books in the Bible sets the stage for man’s need for a savior.  Over and over, Job makes the case of man’s complete depravity in comparison to Almighty God.

“Do you occupy your time with such fragile wisps? Why even bother hauling me into court?

If we humans die, will we live again?  That’s my question.  All through these difficult days I keep hoping, waiting for the final change — for resurrection!

There must be Someone in heaven who knows the truth about me, in highest heaven, some Attorney who can clear my name —

my Champion, my Friend,

while I’m weeping my eyes out before God.

I appeal to the One who represents mortals before God as a neighbor stands up for a neighbor.”

Job’s plea was answered in Christ.

“⁸“I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God. ⁹But he who disowns me before men will be disowned before the angels of God. (Luke 12, NIV)

What will be it be like to be acknowledged before the angels of God?

Today’s reading brings to mind an old song by Carman that I first heard at church camp when I was a teenager.  I can’t believe I found it on YouTube!

Is your name in that book?