if only...

today's scripture reading was job 6-9.

job's friends accused him of sin. that is how he was in the predicament he was in - he had sinned.

but we know the truth because we are privy to a window into conversations that occurred in heaven between the Lord and satan. we know that satan was given free reign to torment job so that God could show satan how job is upright and blameless.

job's friends didn't get to hear that conversation, so they are left to determine the cause of his suffering on their own. their conclusion? it's job's fault. and he needs to get right with God to restore all his wealth.

are we called to judge? are we called to accuse? are job's friends acting according to God's call on our lives? i would have to say no, we are not called to be accusers.

instead we are called to:
love our neighbors
care for others
serve as we have been called

then here's the really good part about the scripture. job cries out for a mediator. an arbitrator who can stand between him and God. how cool is that? he is realizing he needs Jesus before Jesus ever came to this earth! it's like job gets it, you know? he gets that even though he has been living right, he still cannot be judged by our holy God and be claimed innocent.

he cannot stand before our holy God! he needs Jesus.

man - if the rest of the world figured that one out...!