I’ve Been Meaning to Ask… What Do You Need?

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

This summer, the theme for the camps at Community of the Great Commission was "Linked By Love." One of the scriptures we used was this one from the Book of Job. This week's question recognizes that we all have needs and that we need each other. It reminds us that we each have unique needs; we can't assume to know what is best for others. It also prompts us to reflect on our own needs, priorities, and desires, which can sometimes be difficult to discern from one situation to the next.

In Job, we have a person who has suffered extreme trauma — the trauma of losing his livelihood where his present and future well-being are very much in question. Job has also seen his children die a sudden, unexpected death. The loss of a loved one, no matter the circumstances, will also impact us, but the impact can be so much sharper when it is unexpected and untimely. Job has suffered physical pain and discomfort-pain that must have seeped deep into his bones. This is very real trauma.

In the midst of Job's affictions, three of his friends promptly leave their homes and come to him. They tear their garments, weep loudly, and sit with him for seven days, saying nothing. Their response is the ministry of presence, true solidarity, and seeing his excruciating pain and joining him there. This is what we all need — for someone to come quickly, to gather the items we want, and to show up.

How can we show up for one anot her in ways that both explicitly show that we see the pain of the moment and also that we are not afraid to sit with someone in this pain?

Based on Job 2:11-13

Music this week:

• I Have a Hope

• Build My Life

• Hide Me in the Shelter

• Sister Let Me Be Your Servant

• You’ve Got a Friend

• Lean on Me