|
I Samuel 16: 1–13
|
A couple of weeks ago, as we approached this Lenten season, I wrote an
article for The Messenger trying to explain in just a few words
what Lent is all about. There were lots of negative ways I could have
described the season – in terms of self–denial or
repentance from sin. But I chose instead to describe it more positively
as an opportunity to remember who and whose we really are – the
beloved sons and daughters of God, made in his own image. For I knew
that once we began to see ourselves from God’s perspective of
kindness and love, our behaviors also would shift in positive directions.
We would not only treat ourselves more gently; we would treat our
neighbors differently too.
|
|
It all begins by seeing things from God’s perspective instead of
our own. And that, of course, is necessary not just during Lent, but
in every new season of our faith. Time after time we have to look to
God for fresh direction, a whole new way of looking at the world and
treating other people. In fact, it’s a lesson that takes a
lifetime of practice to learn.
|
|
It was certainly a new way of seeing things for Samuel. And that’s
surprising, because Samuel was God’s own prophet, sent to Bethlehem
to anoint a new king of Israel. He already knew it would be one of
Jesse’s sons, because the Lord had told him that, plainly. But
when Jesse began to bring his sons before the prophet, Samuel grew
confused. Surely it would be Eliab, the tall, handsome one. But there
was no confirming word from God. Well, then maybe it was Abinadab,
the skilled warrior. But God wouldn’t confirm that choice either.
Instead, the Lord tells Samuel, “Don’t look on them as most
people do, at their outward appearance or their achievements. Look
instead at their hearts, as I do.” And with that criterion in mind,
Samuel chooses David the shepherd boy – young and inexperienced,
but utterly loving toward God.
|
|
It’s pretty hard not to look on someone’s outward appearance.
Whether someone is male or female, young or old, black or white,
tall or short simply registers on our minds. As does his or her level
of education and social standing. These are things we notice in any
individual. But the Lord’s point is that no one of these
characteristics is definitive. No one of them should be the basis by
which we judge what is essential about that human being. To discern
that kind of thing we have to get closer to that person. We have to get
to know them better. Or we may miss a God–given opportunity.
|
|
I think we are learning this, all over again, in the face of this corona
virus epidemic. We are seeing people all around us in new
ways – from God’s perspective – as we learn just how
vulnerable some of them are. All of a sudden we realize that this
individual, this one in need might be just the neighbor God wants us
to help, just the blessing in disguise God has placed right in front of
us. Even today God chooses the little ones, the seemingly insignificant
ones to be his spokesmen, his instruments to transform the world.
|
|
It happened for me last week as we were all talking on line about
donating our Easter lily money to Putnam Christian Outreach. We all
agreed our first concern needed to be helping to feed the children
in Eatonton who are no longer receiving free meals at school, or
backpacks full of non–perishable food each weekend. But it was a
story that Janie Price told that really grabbed my attention.
|
|
Janie was volunteering at PCO last week, handing out food to anyone
in need who came in when she heard a story from someone who works
in the schools. This woman told a story about a child who burst
into tears when she heard that her school would be shutting down, at
least for several weeks. For this little girl the news that her
school was shutting down meant she would no longer have
food – none at all – because already any food she was
getting was coming either from free school meals or from the backpack
ministry that gave her non–perishable food to take home over
the weekend.
|
|
That story grabbed my attention. That story broke my heart. In just an
instant it told me just how vulnerable some children in Eatonton
really are. It seemed to give me God’s own perspective on the
situation – his compassion and kindness. And that made me want to
change my own behaviors.
|
|
Suddenly, I wanted to be part of the solution – not just for
children in Haiti through Food for the Poor or in Africa through
World Vision, but for children in our own back yard through
Putnam Christian Outreach. Maybe, I thought, I can give money more
regularly to PCO. Maybe, after learning from Janie that nearly every
person who came into that place last week was also asking for
diapers –– I can now take a load of diapers to PCO on a
regular basis. Or maybe, now that my perspective has changed, I can
give more of my time and volunteer
there. . . even as I practice safe social
distancing and keep alcohol–soaked paper towels on hand.
|
|
Do you remember how last week in my sermon I said, “Even in the
face of this approaching
pandemic. . . don’t count the
Unsettling God out. He might yet surprise us. He might yet take this
seemingly impossible situation and transmute it into an occasion of
unexpected growth and blessing.”
|
|
Well, I think God has already done that. Through the story of that
one little girl in Eatonton who cried when she heard the schools were
closing, he touched me. He changed my heart. Maybe he changed yours too.
|
|
Maybe his kindness is proving even more contagious than the corona virus.
Thanks be to God!
|
|
Amen
|
|
