Is Looking Down in Love

Job 34:21-30

Verse 25  Because He takes note of their deeds, He overthrows them in the night and they are crushed.

    A popular Sunday School song reminds children they need to be careful of their eyes, ears, tongues, hands and feet because the Father up above is looking down with love.  Elihu may not have known the catchy tune but he understood the truth of its words.  Job and his friends needed to remember God was real and He isn’t some being off in a far-away place with no clue what is going on nor is He handing out ailments and trials for sport, He never does anything without purpose.

    Elihu points out how God watches our every step.  God isn’t oblivious to what is happening on earth, nothing escapes His observation.  While He is noticing every little thought, deed and action happening with every single person on earth, His reasoning for knowing each detail is not sinister.  Yesterday we talked about His loving judgment and these verses show the work behind His justice.

    From the moment of the first sin, people have been trying to hide from God when they know they have disobeyed.  As humans we can also find ourselves enjoying our sins so much we start ignoring God and the promptings of the Holy Spirit.  We may think we are getting away with our hiding and ignoring for a little while but the time will come where we will have to acknowledge He has always been there watching and making judgement about us.

    God doesn’t have to ignore others and focus more on us to know what is going on in our lives and hearts.  He doesn’t need to ask us why we are doing what we are doing or not doing what we should be doing, because He already knows the answer.  He isn’t just watching what we are doing physically, He is watching what we are saying and even what we are thinking.  Nothing escapes His notice.

    With the Almighty looking over the whole of the earth watching the comings, goings and thinking of everyone He is privy to all the heart cries of His people who are being harmed by the sins of others.  Everyone is subject His judgment, including His children.  In fact, the justice He serves during life often comes to His people because those who are not His have their day of eternal judgment coming.  Whether He is watching an individual or a nation, nothing will be missed by His all-observing eyes and ears.  We need to be careful what we are doing, remembering He is always watching.

Making It Personal

    When has God caught you when you thought you had hidden your sin?  Why did you think God wouldn’t notice?  Do you care what He thinks of your life?

Making It Personal Kids

    What are some ways you can sin using your eyes?  How about your ears?  Can you sin with your tongue?  How about sins you do with your hands?  Do you sin with your feet?

Closing Prayer

    Father, help us remember the truth of why You watch us is because of Your boundless love.  Give us wisdom to make sinless choices so we can please You and live lives of love to those around us.  In Jesus’ name, amen.