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Monday, March 07, 2005
Look Carefully
We humans look on the outward appearance, but God looks upon the heart.
That's what the prophet Samuel discovered when he called on a gentleman farmer to find and anoint a new king for Israel. (See the whole story in 1 Samuel 16)
When told the visiting prophet's purpose, Gentleman Jesse lined up his sons for review. Samuel looked the oldest up and down, had him do the walk, then said, "Hmmmm. Not this one."
Then, one by one, six more sons were likewise tested -- and failed.
Samuel finally asked, "Is this all your boys? I must be missing something."
Jesse said, "Oh. Yeah. The littlest one is out taking care of our sheep. Didn't think you'd even miss him."
When young David was called front and center, Samuel heard God's voice in his heart: "Bingo!"
From that very day the history of Israel, and of the Christian church, was changed forever.
For it was David's family tree that would produce God's chosen line of kings to rule over God's chosen people, as long as they had such a thing as a king.
And Christians are convinced that Jesus was destined to be King of a spiritual realm, not geographical. Born in David's home town of Bethlehem; a direct descendent of David.
All of this seen through the eyes of faith.
Believe it or not, this reminds me of Woody Allen.
His best film, if you ask me, is "Crimes and Misdemeanors." Woody's schlumpy character is the patient of a high society opthalmologist. So is a rabbi who's going blind.
The doctor is up for Humanitarian of the Year honors at his favorite charity's gala event. Only trouble is he's just had his mistress killed to stop her nasty blackmail campaign.
During the banquet, the doctor sits on a grand piano bench with Woody. He quietly tells the story of what he's done and the inner conflict he feels, and of how he's actually gotten away with it all. So, let's get on with life and who'll know the difference?
Meanwhile, on the dance floor, the rabbi in his black glasses is waltzing with his lovely daughter. They whirl about wearing smiles of absolute bliss, enjoying the consolations of love, and trust, and hope for a truly good future.
I'm convinced that doctor will go on telling his dreadful story until finally he gets himself caught. He has no future, and his 20/20 vision sees that as clear as day.
The rabbi, though, is looking beyond glaucoma's limitations into the heart of the matter.
Just as Samuel did on that fateful day out at Jesse's farm.
posted by Jack Buckley at
12:11 PM
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