An Introduction to a Teaching on the Book of Job
Summary: Let’s face it. Life happens and sometimes we don’t feel like victorious Christians. And isn’t it “funny” that Satan always makes sure there is someone around to bring us the bad news. No-one knew this better than Job. Our churches are also full of hurting people who can identify with Job who need compassion and hope. This short skit was used as an introduction to a teaching on the Book of Job.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 4min.
Actors: 1M, 1F
Characters:
Bro. Armstrong
Sister Mayes
Script
(A woman, Sister Mayes, is on stage holding her Bible, presumably on her way to attend church service. Brother Armstrong enters, boisterous and happy.)
Armstrong: Good morning, Sister Mayes.
Mayes: Hello, Brother Armstrong. How are you?
Armstrong: I am BLESSED!! And, how are you on this beautiful morning?
Mayes: Oh, I’m OK.
Armstrong: OK? Just OK today?
Mayes: Um, yeah… you know, today, that’s about the best I got.
Armstrong: But you are a child of the King, the Most High God, who loves and blesses His children abundantly. The Author and Giver of Life whose mercies and loving-kindness are new every morning!
Mayes: Yes, Bro. Armstrong, I know, and you’re absolutely right. I have been blessed beyond measure, more than I deserve. I guess today my head is just in a little different place. You know, I’ve been thinking a lot about how funny life is. Not funny in a HAHA, hysterical, laugh-your-head-off kind of way, but more like a WOW, whoa, I-didn’t-see-that-coming kind of way. You know? Like, my family has a saying… Well, had a saying… everything changes in a moment. You know, you’re just going about your life with everything set, and then BAM! Out of nowhere life happens, and suddenly in that one moment of time, all your priorities, goals, ideas, everything just changes. You know? I’ve had a few of those moments this year…
I mean, it was just about this time last year when the first one came. I didn’t know what was going to happen. We were just having a normal morning. It was a beautiful, crisp fall day. Everyone was so excited as they piled into my husband’s car to head to school ‘cause we were going away that night. A little weekend getaway to just play and enjoy each other’s company. Life can be so busy, you know? I didn’t know I’d never see them again. How were we to know that man started his weekend a day early… drunk himself into a stupor. He was going so fast. It only took a moment for his car to flip our car. And yet there he was at the scene…the sole survivor…telling me what happened…saying how sorry he was. Sorry…
You know, “sorry” was what the HR director said about six months after that. I had just gotten all the legal papers and everything settled, just barely had a chance to catch my breath… And then, just another one of those moments. 250 people were let go that day, the whole company. One person’s greed, embezzling all those funds, bleeding the company dry. And there was Susie, the HR person left to process it all. She helped as much as she could, but at the end of the day, she was still just the bearer of bad news.
That’s part of what’s funny, you know. That it seems like there’s always somebody left to tell that sad, sorry tale. Always somebody there to deliver the bad news. Like my doctor… When I rushed in to get that mammogram done before my insurance expired. At least she was moved with compassion. She stayed late the day my results came in, so I could meet with her and we could talk. She didn’t want me to be alone that night. But at the end of the day, she was still the bearer of bad news. ‘Cause there’s always somebody to bring you the bad news…
Armstrong: (Sensitively, lovingly. Not preachy or condescending.) You know, I hear you, Sister Mayes, and you’re right. Life is funny that way, and sometimes we go through these seasons where it seems like just when we think things can’t get any worse, someone is there with another message to bring us down. But you know, God sent His One—His Son—to bring the good news. It’s His message of hope and deliverance that is the answer for every other messenger that comes your way. Because of Him, you will see your family again one day. He will be your provider… your strength… your healer… The Great Physician. Every need, every hurt, every one bearer of bad news is swallowed up by His moment of victory at the cross!!
Mayes: I know. I know, and to be honest, that is the only reason I get up every morning. Jesus is my only hope. He is the only reason I can stand here today, and put a smile on my face, and tell you, I’m OK. Thank God, I’m OK.
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© Copyright Adam and Nicki Gee, all rights reserved. The script may not be reproduced, translated or copied in any medium, including books, CDs and on the Internet, without written permission of the authors.
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