“Why then this meaningless talk?” Job 27:12b

After turning his visitors’ arguments back upon their proverbial laps, Job gave them a dose of their own medicine, stating:

“I will teach you about the power of God; the ways of The Almighty I will not conceal. You have all seen this yourselves. Why then this meaningless talk?” (vv. 11 – 12)

Job was growing increasingly weary of the posturing from his visitors who offered no comfort or resources to meet him at his need. If you have ever been homeless, on the streets, hopeless, and with not even a hope of your next meal, then you might understand Job’s perspective.

Those in real need are in short-supply of listening skills. Without evidence of real forthcoming help, the destitute are basically closed to any higher thinking that could improve their lot. James, the half-brother of Jesus and the lead elder of the Jerusalem church provided essential guidance for ministry to the impoverished.

“What good is it, my Brothers and Sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a Brother or a Sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action is dead.” (James 2:14-17)

Once, when ministering to the homeless in Phoenix, Arizona, my wife, daughter, and a dear couple and their daughter were handing out coats for the quickly approaching winter. My wife had been purchasing them from thrift stores around the valley (for pennies on the dollar during the summer time) and had collected close to
one hundred jackets. We asked that only those who did NOT have a jacket to come and receive one.

Believe it or not, we had enough for every person that came forward that evening. Really! Well, as we were packing up to go home that night, a young homeless man approached me and explained he had arrived late – in barely enough time to get his meal, and had not received a jacket. I explained to him we had given them
all out. He was incredulous and kept insisting he should get a jacket. I asked him, “What do you want me to do, give you the jacket off my back?!” (It was already getting quite cool by that time.) You can guess what his answer was, can’t you. He replied, “Yes, you can give me your jacket.”

I was a bit taken back. I really couldn’t believe he would have the audacity to ask for my own jacket (a designer jacket that I had won at a fund-raiser golf tournament some five or so years before). So… since my wife, daughter and our friends had packed up the car and were waiting for me, I checked my pockets, took off the jacket and gave it to the man. He did not even say thank you.

I shared this story with you, not to exalt myself, for my attitude was not the best in giving my nice golf jacket (God and I have already had a conversation about that, thank you). The point of the story is: ministry is NEVER convenient… never. Friendships can be convenient, taking baked goods to shut-ins may be convenient, and can make a momentary difference in their lives. But real, life-impacting ministry is never easy or convenient… especially when it comes to the point of placing your hand upon the hand of one who has not had a bath
in days, and your nose knows it well.

As these days progress, we may see more need in our lifetime than we have ever dared imagine. Will Christians rise to the sacrifice… not of just handing over a used golf jacket, but of helping one with their next meal, or providing a shelter in the night, or gas for a family moving across the country… or any number of
needs which will arise.

Will you go to any length to demonstrate God’s love to those in need? If not, why then the meaningless talk? You are the ONLY Jesus some will ever see… make sure they see Him clearly.

Have a blessed day…