Giving Account to God -- Part 3

Romans 14:10 is one of only two verses in scripture to specifically mention the judgment seat of Christ.  The passage's description of that judgment in verse 12 has led us to consider the following points:

I.  EVERY ONE OF US SHALL GIVE ACCOUNT

II.  EVERY ONE OF US SHALL GIVE ACCOUNT OF HIMSELF

III.  EVERY ONE OF US SHALL GIVE ACCOUNT OF HIMSELF TO GOD

There are two additional points that we should make along these lines.  In addition to the acknowledgement that we will all give an account TO GOD, there are some scriptures that direct us to the helpful realization that:

IV.  GOD DOES NOT GIVE AN ACCOUNT OF HIMSELF TO US

Job 33:13 Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters.

Job lost it all.  His friends had come to comfort him, but after sitting with him for 7 days, they just couldn’t stand it any longer, and started in with all the reasons they thought this had happened to him.  Job was just like any of us; all he wanted to know was why. 

In chapter 32, Elihu steps in and speaks in God’s defense, and reminds everybody:

·       That God does not owe Job, or anybody else, an explanation.

·       That God is under no obligation to answer any of our questions.

·       That we really have no business striving with Him.

·       That God doesn’t give account to us.  We give account to God.

It was easier for Elihu to say that than it was for Job to accept it.  Elihu wasn’t the one sitting in ashes by the graves of his 10 kids. 

And it’s easy for me to make that statement.  But I believe it would do us well to use the good times to make preparation for the bad times by firmly settling and establishing this truth in our hearts and minds -- He giveth not account of any of his matters. 

Daniel 4:35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

Romans 9:20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?

God is in total control (Daniel 4:17).  He holds this universe together (Hebrews 11:3).  Nothing escapes His grasp (John 10:29).  Known unto Him are all HIS works from the foundation of the world (Acts 15:18).  He works all things after the counsel of His own will (Ephesians 1:11).  And all things -- good and bad -- work together for good to those that love and trust in Him (Romans 8:28). 

He doesn’t answer to us.  We answer to Him.  He doesn’t give account to us.  We give account to Him.  He demands of us (Job 38:3; Job 40:7).  We don’t demand of Him. 

The comfort comes not only in the fact that He has all power but that He exercises that power in our best interest, according to His perfect knowledge (Job 36:4; Job 37:16).  And though He’s probably not going to answer our question, “Why?” He does offer all the grace and mercy we could ever need.