The Lord Has The Record

The Lord Has The Record
Job 16:19

Job:16:19: Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high.

Introduction:

A. Job's friends were judging him; telling him why all these things had come upon him; how he had sinned; what he would have to do to get right. But Job knew in his heart that their accusations and judgments were not right. Then he said to them, "God has the record."

B. Notice it was a personal record, "my record."

C. Records are something we are all familiar with:
1. Record of birth.
2. Marriage.
3. Work.
4. Driving record.

D. I went to a prison rodeo once. This guy got up and sang a few songs then to get people to laugh he said, "A lot of you have asked me if I have any records? I certainly do. You can go to any sheriff's office in the state of Oklahoma and get my records."

E. Our records are not always accurate, but God's records are right.

I. A Record Is Kept of Those Who Are Saved

A. This record is called "The Lamb's Book of Life."
     Rev. 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

B. There are many things to rejoice about, but the one which paramounts them all is to know your name is recorded in that great record book on high.
     Lk. 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

C. It is not the same as our church roll book. Someone told me recently how many years their name had been on the church roll. I don't think that impresses God too much. We better make sure of that record book on high.

II. A Record Is Kept of Those Who Serve

Mal. 3:16 Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.

A. There are many who serve the Lord faithfully who never receive any recognition down here whatsoever.
1. A dear preacher brother studied hard to graduate from seminary. Something happened at the school. A mix-up someway. When graduation time came he did not receive his diploma. They assured him that all his work was up to par, and his diploma would be mailed to him. Weeks went by and no diploma. He called, and again they assured him that it would be forthcoming. Weeks and months passed, and he did not hear from the school. He has called, written and even threatened them, but no results. Years have passed now, and he has long since given up any hope of ever receiving his diploma. The last time I talked to him about it here are the exact words he said, "I am not going to worry about it anymore; the Lord has the record any way."

B. There are many unsung heroes, and heroines this world will never hear of, but the Lord has the record of who they are and what they did.

III. A Record Is Kept of Those Who Suffer

A. There will be suffering for those who follow Jesus.
     2 Tim. 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
1. Down thru the ages those who have lived for God have had to suffer; many have sealed their testimony with their blood.
2. God has it all written in His book.

IV. A Record Is Kept of Those Who Win Souls

A. All those we have had any part in winning we'll meet them over there. What a day that will be when we meet those we helped to bring to Christ.
     1 Thess. 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

Illustration: John Broadus, the great preacher, witnessed in his younger days to a school chum named Sandy Jones. Sandy was saved. After that every time Sandy saw John Broadus she would say, "Thank you John for telling me about Jesus." Broadus said, a short while, before he died, "I think the sweetest words I'll hear in heaven will be when Sandy says, 'Thank you John.'"