Job's Deaf Friends

     While studying the book of Job, I found myself sympathizing with Job’s friends.  I mean, who of us when seeing a friend suffer what would seem like judgment at his own hands could stick around, remain silent and resist the temptation to rebuke?  As a pastor-shepherd whose job it is to sometimes help people grow even with a heart-stabbing remark, I sympathize with Job’s friends.

     After exchanging insults and "your mamma" jabs, I can see how frustrating it would would have gotten being called Job's Friend.

     But Job shouted something at me in chapter 21, verse 2. “Listen, carefully!” he yelled.

     In pain Job cries, “Listen carefully!” to spiritually and emotionally deaf friends and neighbors.  “I’m hurting and you are not helping.”

     I have to admit that I struggle with the gift of discerning between the right words and the wrong ones; between when to say them and when to shut up.  In the moment of a friend’s pain, as in Job’s case, may I truly hear his heart – may I resist the temptation to be “right” – may I offer my silent friendship that would shout a response to his deafening cry, “I love you, and am here for you.”

     Instead of being deaf to a friend’s cry for help, I wonder if we should ignore the accusations.   After all, isn't that what Jesus does for us?