We have two amazing athletes in my family. Being a soccer player and a basketball player, the two of them work very hard at their sports and love the competitive environment each sport provides. Both of them love to practice and train. They both love to watch others compete in their sports. They study the game and are constantly thinking of ways to improve. While both are very self-motivated individuals, both have also been blessed with some amazing coaches throughout the years.
Coaches can really make or break a team. If you push too hard you run the risk of discouraging the players. If you do not push at all then your presence is a non-factor. But when the coach is able to help correct what went wrong and bring encouragement players are motivated to perform at their highest capacity and reach for the stars.
In today’s passage, Job responds to his friends with intensity. He calls them “miserable comforters.” In other words, “you guys really stink at this!” They are speaking what they believe to be true but there is no compassion or encouragement for their “friend” Job. It appears as if they are more concerned with being correct or convinced of their theology than they are of caring for Job. They have been given a great opportunity to provide words of comfort and meaning and have successfully transformed this moment into the spreading of “windy words.” These words have little substance and are quickly blown away. Job even goes so far to ask them, “What provokes you that you keep on talking?” (vs. 3).
Consider your words today. Whether you find yourself coaching youth soccer or sitting by the bed of a sick friend, now is your opportunity to bring encouragement or try to make yourself look better. Which one will help bring the light of Jesus into the room?
Lord, let my words bring more help than hurt today. Amen.
Rev. Christopher Hall
Extended Scripture: Job 15–17 (NRSV)
