05/26/2026
RE-CONSIDER JOB
with Infrequently Asked Questions (IAQs)
PART ONE
When we consider helping the poor and needy what are some common images that come to mind- from our own American experience or from others?
Eager Part Time Volunteer-
Often young, desiring the experience of helping and making a difference, but not much financial ability. Often work well in groups, congregated in safe spaces such as schools or churches where those served are grouped according to need. Some retirees sprinkled in. Friendly faces. Adult organizers of the event are often accompanied by technical specialists such as nurses or teachers. A very efficient American assembly line to help. Goods or services are given. Games or toys provided, lots of smiles, face paint, vitamin packs, toiletries, and balloons. And hugs. Perhaps a tear as they depart, each to their designated lives and homes. Hope to see you next month, next quarter, next year. Follow-up typically a summery breakdown accounting of those served and products/services provided for reporting or grant quotas. We feel good. Yet we lack any true appreciation of what their lives consist of, daily struggles, fears, pains, or dreams. We remain a friendly stranger.
Financial Volunteer/Donor-
Middle aged couple or retiree that has finances to help but may or may not wish to attend group activities with active young people. They are professionals and often managers with first world skill sets. However there are no widows, fatherless, or disabled in need with no government assistance or family support among their acquaintances or friends, who are pretty much like them. They are convicted of their duty to follow the Bible and went on a mission trip to a third world county once. They will never forget the poverty. And the enormity of it. So they regularly support a non profit in that county and follow their newsletter. They feel good about where their money goes and sometimes think about the faces or the smiling children and older grandparents. They all seemed so happy yet possessed very little. Maybe someday they will return. Or to a different country. But their empty nester friends go on cruises together 2-4 times a year. Maybe next year. They too are friendly strangers.
Consider Job-
Let’s consider Job as we learn about his involvement with poor and needy in chapter 29 - from self reflection and from his very strong commitment to God and to his neighbor he shares powerfully in chapter 31. We need to read this.
Which of the two above examples fit Job? Read close and consider the actions he was describing. Occasional volunteer at a safe place? Or a donor from afar? Doesn’t fit does it?
Consider Jesus-
Now what about Jesus teachings in Matthew 25 and other places regarding the actions he describes? (note I didn’t use the word “heart”) And his motivations/warnings he passes on? Does this fit more of the Job model? Sounds like Jesus is wanting his followers to be more than occasional volunteers or donors at arm’s length. More like close friends. Maybe like family. Is this what we can see in Jesus teachings- in Jobs life? A kinsman redeemer? Who could make the heart of the widow sing. (29:13). How can one even do that?
Great question. Over the years there have been a handful of really good lessons about the need to love our neighbors as ourselves. From our teachers, HOPE directors, at conferences. However what seemed lacking among the many points and great outlines was the skin on the bones. Personal testimonies if you will. How their own lives were changed by spending themselves on those who outwardly had nothing to repay. We’ve all listened and been inspired by evangelistic stories by the hundreds. Who do you know that has great stories serving widows? Fatherless. Disabled. Alien? Do we think Job had stories?
Matthew 5
14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Stories-
Yes there will be stories, hundreds of them. With Names. The Lame will walk. Blind will see. Hungry will be fed. Dying will be raised. Broken will be made whole. Tears will flow. Hearts will sing. Young men will see visions, old men will dream dreams. Of Hill Country.
Proclaim the year of the Lords Favor. For such a time as this.
