By James Porch
In a hurry, attempting to rescue my grandson from the daycare center before the after hours late charge kicked in, I veered off the urban street to the right, rolled down the paved shoulder, passing a line of traffic. Nearing the corner, I experienced a sudden unexpected encounter—flashing blue lights from the car of a metro policeman. Quickly acknowledging his beckoning, I wheeled into a nearby parking lot, jumped out of the car and proceeded to confess my broken law error to the tune of a “personal emergency” reason.
The officer’s smile and statement, “I’m going to help you out” birthed immediate hope. He continued, “I will write this ticket as fast as I can, and you can be on your way.” Hope shattered, I silently waited as he kept his word.
Sometime the same person(s) who gives immediate hope can suddenly take away the rising joy. Remember Job’s encounter with his “friends?”
Following his series of devastating losses, Job’s spirit assuredly rose with the arrival of Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. According to Scripture, “they made an appointment together to come to sympathize with him and comfort him” (Job 2:11).
The Scripture offers little indication the man of multiple sorrows expected commentary and especially a heavy dose of imposed guilt. The boys just could not be content to be present and by presence alone stand by their friend. On the other hand, possibly the vocal deluge of the three and the ensuing debate ignited Job’s deep profession of faith to move up and out into their ears, “I know my redeemer liveth.” The longing to hope man proved pastor unto himself.
Presence alone can bring comfort while awaiting forthcoming hope. Even the absence of words may bring on the occasion of a surprise. The late John Claypool told of rushing into a hospital emergency room in response to the news of a church family being involved in a serious automobile accident. Kneeling before the wife/mother as her husband and son received focused care of the physicians and nurses, the lady put her finger to her lips and spoke, “John, don’t say anything until God gets through with this.” The grace of presence, yours and mine, may just be sufficient. Besides, Abba Father can be in attendance through you and me.
