Day 186: Are they not written in the book?

Today's Reading: 2 Kings 14; 2 Chronicles 25

Have you noticed a literary pattern in the scribes of Israel's history?

With the death of each king, the scribes end with the all encompassing phrase: "As for the other events of (so-and-so's) reign, from beginning to end, are they not written in the book of (such and such.)"

This phrase is daunting. Can you imagine being followed around by a scribe all day and having every thing you do and say being written down for all of history to review?

I see this as a very hard thing for our leaders in our country. Every move they make, someone is watching and reporting. Meeting's minutes are recorded; quotes are saved; cameras record every piece of clothing and every twist of the face.

How intimidating!

And yet, we are told in scripture that there is a book which is recording our lives. Spiritual paparazzi are filming and reporting not only our actions and words but our inner most thoughts, to be reviewed by God.

One of the most scary songs I learned as a child was not about a ghost or a goblin, but about this truth. It was the song, "Be Careful."

O be careful little eyes what you see;
O be careful little ears what you hear;
O be careful little hands what you do;
O be careful little feet where you go;
O be careful little mouth what you say;

For the Father up above is looking down in love,
So be careful...

Why was this so scary? Because I believed it and because I knew my own sin.

Thinking that God saw every bit of my life made me realize God's power and God's presence. I felt like Job who said, "Won't you even turn your back one moment so I can go to the bathroom?"

Comprehending the omnipresence of God is scary and humbling. In fact, it is terrifying unless we can hold onto the line in the song which speaks to the Father's character, God's essence--God's Love.

I know God is recording and so I am more careful. There is nothing off the record. And I know I will be judged.

How grateful I am for the LOVE of God through Jesus Christ which says, "The guilty are set free."

Thank you, Jesus, that my name is written in your Book of Life.