Rev. Ray and Pat Amos
Job 4:3-4
DEVOTION FOR TODAY, December 31, 2019
“Encourager”
The geese will be making their flight as soon as there is a little daylight. They greet the town with a fly-over every morning. I hear them before I see them. One is always calling out to the others; it sounds like a drill sergeant during basic training. Perhaps (and I like to think so) it is an encourager: “Lift up you heads, stretch out that long neck, it’s a new day; fly!”
Job is remembered for his troubles, and forgotten for who he really was. He was once known by all as an encourager for anyone who was down. He helped put them back on their feet. “Behold you have admonished many, and you have strengthened weak hands. Your words have helped the tottering to stand, and you have strengthened feeble knees…” (Job 4:3-4). The Moffatt’s translation says, “Your words, have kept men on their feet.”
Outside a convenience store I saw a young man who was burdened down with the weight and scars of his sins. With head hung low he walked toward the door. A lady, who had enough troubles of her own, seemed to know him. She took her hands and gently lifted his chin as she talked to him. I don’t know what she said, but he walked away with his head up.
Jesus is in the business of lifting up heads and putting people back on their feet. “But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high” (Psalm 3:3).
Our Lord knew that Peter would fail and fall; but grace picked him up and set him back to walking tall. Perhaps there will be someone along our way today that needs a kind and encouraging word. Don’t forget those who encouraged you when you were down, they may need you today; Job sure needed someone.
“Link to YouTube Video – Breathe on Me”
