That's Moxy!

Daily Reading:  Job 15

Are you the first man who was born? Or were you brought forth before the hills? Have you listened in the council of God? (Job 15.7-8)

Devotional Thought: I once heard a story of a minister who was approached by two ladies who gushed, "Preacher, you sound as if you have just come from an audience with God."  His answer, given in humble tone:  "Perhaps, ladies, I have."  That's moxy!

Job had moxy.  At least his friends accused him of it.  They wanted to know, "Are you the first man who was born? ... Have you listened in the council of God."  They meant it to be an insult.  They meant to tear down his pride.  Their implication, of course, was that no mortal man could claim such things.

But, isn't that what we want?  Don't we want to listen in the council of God?  Don't we want to be like Moses who would go to the tent of meeting and there God would speak to him "face to face, as a man speaks to his friend" (Exodus 33.11)?  Don't we want to be like Joshua who would tarry in the tent to speak with God even after Moses left?  Don't we want to be like Isaiah who "saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up" (Isaiah 6.1)?  Short of that, wouldn't we want to have a Friend who has?

Who can claim to be the first man born?  Who was brought forth before the hills?  Who has listened in on the council of God?  There is only one man, the Man called Jesus, whom to know is life!  Of him God said, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him" (Mark 9.7). 

Prayer: Oh, Lord, you are the eternal Son of God.  I desire to know you and to know life.  As you have listened in on the council of God, so I listen to you today.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 119.145-152

145 With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O LORD! I will keep your statutes.

146 I call to you; save me, that I may observe your testimonies.

147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words.

148 My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise.

149 Hear my voice according to your steadfast love; O LORD, according to your justice give me life.

150 They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose; they are far from your law.

151 But you are near, O LORD, and all your commandments are true.

152 Long have I known from your testimonies that you have founded them forever.