1 Samuel 16:1-13br...
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1 Samuel 16:1-13
It's hard to imagine a candidate running for president today without a veritable army of style and grooming consultants, which is even more remarkable, considering what some of our greatest presidents have looked like. George Washington, for example, was physically strong and -- at over six feet tall -- had an imposing presence, but he wore a set of wooden false teeth that gave him tremendous pain and led him to adopt a grim, tight- lipped expression. Abraham Lincoln was well known as being one of the homeliest men around. He had a huge mole on one cheek and was so extremely tall and awkward that some historians think he might have had a mild case of the medical condition known as giantism. Franklin D. Roosevelt spent much of his time in a wheelchair, due to polio. In those pre-television days, FDR's political handlers did a pretty good job of keeping newspaper and newsreel photographers away from his wheelchair, crutches, and leg braces; but in the age of television that would be unthinkable.
Where would we be today, as a nation, without Washington, Lincoln, or FDR? Yet the simple truth is, if today's obsessive interest in physical appearance had prevailed back then, none of these three men would have made it to the presidency.
"The Lord does not see as mortals see," says Samuel, "they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."
1 Samuel 16:1-1
When I worked with churches searching for a new pastor, they were often tempted to go for the first person who looked good on paper. It took a lot of time and energy to explain to churches that it was important to consider everyone and not just go for the person who at first blush appeared to be a real catch. Sometimes the pastor who "looked like a perfect match" didn't do so well on the background check we conducted or didn't have such good references. Several times, after the initial candidates didn't work out, a pastor who was first discounted as "not like us" or not having the necessary skills, or too inexperienced, turned out to be the one the church ended up calling.
1 Samuel 16:1-13
Erica seemed like an ordinary person who attended church each week. She did not socialize much with others in the church keeping pretty much to herself. On most Sundays, she would attend worship but never stay for Sunday school.
One Sunday a couple from a church in a nearby town spoke about their mission trip to India. They showed pictures of the people and told how great their need is for medical help. They told of medical personnel spending a week or more providing medical treatment without cost, volunteering their time.
Hearing how great the need was and believing that she could truly make a difference Erica offered to coordinate a special offering appeal and also collect clothing to send to India. She was energized by this mission. She was filled with enthusiasm. To the people who saw her every week in church she seemed like a different person. Being involved in mission transformed her. "She's come out of her shell," one longtime church member explained.
Erica's efforts also transformed the church. The church became more mission conscious thanks to her tireless effort. The focus of the church became helping other people. The chairperson of missions candidly admitted that he never would have thought to ask Erica to head up this project. When we look at an individual we do not always see the potential that God does! God spoke to her heart and she responded.
The prophet Samuel discovered that he could not judge people solely by their outward appearance. Fortunately for us, God is able to see into our hearts and not only by our outward appearance. God chose the shepherd boy, David, over and against all his brothers. David had the potential to carry out God's will in that time and place.
1 Samuel 16:1-13
The cliché is well known: "You can't judge a book by its cover." But how about this one: "It tastes awful. And it works"? That is the marketing slogan for Buckley's Cough Syrup. It truly tastes horrible, but it does soothe sore throats, clear sinuses, and calm coughs. (To witness the reaction first-time users get when tasting Buckley's, visit http://www.badtastetour.ca/index.cfm). Once you get past the taste, the medicine is actually effective.
David was a bit like Buckley's Cough Syrup. He wasn't the best looking, over his lifetime he did some atrocious things, but God saw past it all and saw David's heart; God knew David was the right choice for king of Israel.
Ephesians 5:8-14
Allen Carr (1934-2006) smoked for 31 years. He tried many times to stop, but, he usually smoked 100 cigarettes a day. He was miserable and, it seemed, impossibly addicted to nicotine. At his lowest physical condition, his son gave him a book by the South African heart-transplant surgeon Christian Bernard. The book explained the physiology of nicotine addiction. He stubbed out his last cigarette and yelled to his wife that he was going to save the world from smoking.
Soon his house became a clinic to help people stop smoking. Seventy clinics grew in 33 countries. He wrote The Easy Way to Stop Smoking. The success rate of his method was estimated between 53% to 90%, whereas other treatment programs have about a 5% to 20% success rate.
He had lived in what, for him, was darkness. He set out as a gratefully free person to live within his new light.
Ephesians 5:8-14
We live in the country. Occasional farm lights flicker in the distance, but our trees hide most of them. When our yard light is out, darkness makes it hazardous to venture far. Barbed wire fences, uneven terrain, and large, prowling, nocturnal animals make us hesitant.
In many ways, the whole world suffers a greater darkness. Folks stumble everywhere trying to make their way. News accounts remind us of war not just on battlefields, but in congressional halls, homes, and city streets. Decent folks endure repeated violence while judges seem to pamper criminals and place them in revolving doors that quickly usher them back to society. Parents have trouble not just knowing what's right for their kids, but controlling them. Many adults and children are addicted.
This present darkness isn't unique. It was lively in Paul's day, too. The only light then was Christ and still is. We need to stay in his light and "live as children of light."
Ephesians 5:8-14
Living in the light took on a whole new dimension for me in 1942 when the electricity was turned on in our farm home. The REA (Rural Electric Association) had gone through in 1939, but there was no way we could afford the minimal charge, then only $8 a month. Four years later, when farm prices were better, the time arrived when the house was wired and a pole for a yard light was installed.
I experienced the thrill that few today have experienced. Coming home from country school and discovering that the electricity was on! No more lantern carrying to light up the farm chore time! No more filling and refilling the old kerosene lamps for use in the house. There was light!
Just as there was anticipation and expectancy awaiting the arrival of light on the farm, there can be anticipation as we open our hearts to the indwelling presence of our Savior, the Lord Jesus. No longer was the dim, dangerous, hand-held lantern necessary. A new light had come to open the way. The new power provided energy to pump the water for home and farm.
Once we "plug in" to Christ, we find that he is light and provides the spiritual energy to light up our life and to provide light so others can find the way. "For once you were darkness but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true" (Ephesians 5:8).
John 9:1-41
The story of how Annie Sullivan taught Helen Keller (who lacked the ability to see and hear) to communicate is well known. Not so well known is another story from Helen Keller's life. Wishing for her to learn more of Jesus Christ, Annie Sullivan took Helen to meet with the famous preacher, Phillips Brooks, in Boston. With Annie serving as translator, Brooks laid out for the young woman the whole story of Jesus and our salvation.
When the story was over, a radiant look came over Helen's face. She signaled that she had something to say in reply. "Oh, Mr. Brooks," she said, through her faithful Annie. "I always knew God was like that, but until today I did not know his name!"
John 9:1-41
C. S. Lewis, the author of The Chronicles of Narnia, and lecturer at Cambridge University, rather hoped that there was not a God. He was an atheist and proud of it. He was as spiritually blind a person as there could be. Despite himself, he started reading the New Testament. One day, he decided to take a bus to the zoo. He wrote, "I know very well when, but hardly how, the final step was taken. I was driven to Whipsnade one sunny morning. When we set out I did not believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and when we reached the zoo, I did." Lewis, once spiritually blind, had his eyes opened that day on the bus by Jesus Christ.
John 9:1-41
Zion Church had a reputation of supporting missionaries in several countries around the world. Each spring they would hold a three-day "Missionary Conference." At the conference missionaries on furlong would come to speak, sharing the latest news from the mission field. They would come with many pictures as well as items from the country that they served. They would also thank the congregation for their support.
Pete noticed that the number of people attending the Missionary Conference seemed less each year. He began asking if people were losing their interest in oversea missions. As you might expect his questions angered a good number of people. They told him that their church had held mission conference for over thirty years, "They've always had one." Just the thought of not holding a conference was upsetting for many in the congregation. Pete backed down. The church would continue holding its annual event.
Over the course of the next several months, Pete focused on getting to know his neighbors. He always wondered why people living in the same neighborhood as the church would never attend. One day, he discovered the reason. A neighbor shared his experience of losing his job a decade ago. At the time his children were young, his wife did not work, and they had no income for several months until he found a new job. They went to the church seeking assistance. They even attended a couple of worship services. His overall impression of the church was that no one cared about them. No one offered any help. The pastor told them that there was no money budgeted for such assistance.
As the neighbor shared his frustration, the disappointment came pouring out. "How can the church support missionaries and not help a family living down the street?" he asked. "The people in that church do not know anything about our situation and obviously they did not want to know, either."
Jesus encountered a woman that the town's people ignored. Many looked down on her situation. Yet Jesus accepted and viewed this woman as a beloved child of God. As a result of that encounter the woman's life was forever changed.
How do we respond to the needs of our neighbors? Do we even know our neighbors?
John 9:1-41
It seems Jesus isn't the only one who can make the blind see. Dr. William Dobelle has done it to through his Artificial Vision System (AVS). The system consists of a camera mounted to glasses. The camera is connected to a dictionary-sized computer, which processes the data it receives, then sends the data to the brain through surgically implanted electrodes. Small wires protruding through the skull connect the electrodes to the computer. The electrodes stimulate the vision areas of the brain and the person sees. As the AVS is not yet sanctioned by the FDA, those who wish to purchase it -- it costs $100,000 -- must travel to Portugal to have the electrodes implanted.
People who buy the system do not immediately wear it full time. The system must be adjusted to meet each individual's requirements. And although the sight is not nearly perfect, one wearer testifies to an immediate uplifting of spirits and a sense of freedom.
People might not question wearers of the AVS as to who restored their sight so much as, "What is that gadget you're wearing?"
It's hard to imagine a candidate running for president today without a veritable army of style and grooming consultants, which is even more remarkable, considering what some of our greatest presidents have looked like. George Washington, for example, was physically strong and -- at over six feet tall -- had an imposing presence, but he wore a set of wooden false teeth that gave him tremendous pain and led him to adopt a grim, tight- lipped expression. Abraham Lincoln was well known as being one of the homeliest men around. He had a huge mole on one cheek and was so extremely tall and awkward that some historians think he might have had a mild case of the medical condition known as giantism. Franklin D. Roosevelt spent much of his time in a wheelchair, due to polio. In those pre-television days, FDR's political handlers did a pretty good job of keeping newspaper and newsreel photographers away from his wheelchair, crutches, and leg braces; but in the age of television that would be unthinkable.
Where would we be today, as a nation, without Washington, Lincoln, or FDR? Yet the simple truth is, if today's obsessive interest in physical appearance had prevailed back then, none of these three men would have made it to the presidency.
"The Lord does not see as mortals see," says Samuel, "they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."
1 Samuel 16:1-1
When I worked with churches searching for a new pastor, they were often tempted to go for the first person who looked good on paper. It took a lot of time and energy to explain to churches that it was important to consider everyone and not just go for the person who at first blush appeared to be a real catch. Sometimes the pastor who "looked like a perfect match" didn't do so well on the background check we conducted or didn't have such good references. Several times, after the initial candidates didn't work out, a pastor who was first discounted as "not like us" or not having the necessary skills, or too inexperienced, turned out to be the one the church ended up calling.
1 Samuel 16:1-13
Erica seemed like an ordinary person who attended church each week. She did not socialize much with others in the church keeping pretty much to herself. On most Sundays, she would attend worship but never stay for Sunday school.
One Sunday a couple from a church in a nearby town spoke about their mission trip to India. They showed pictures of the people and told how great their need is for medical help. They told of medical personnel spending a week or more providing medical treatment without cost, volunteering their time.
Hearing how great the need was and believing that she could truly make a difference Erica offered to coordinate a special offering appeal and also collect clothing to send to India. She was energized by this mission. She was filled with enthusiasm. To the people who saw her every week in church she seemed like a different person. Being involved in mission transformed her. "She's come out of her shell," one longtime church member explained.
Erica's efforts also transformed the church. The church became more mission conscious thanks to her tireless effort. The focus of the church became helping other people. The chairperson of missions candidly admitted that he never would have thought to ask Erica to head up this project. When we look at an individual we do not always see the potential that God does! God spoke to her heart and she responded.
The prophet Samuel discovered that he could not judge people solely by their outward appearance. Fortunately for us, God is able to see into our hearts and not only by our outward appearance. God chose the shepherd boy, David, over and against all his brothers. David had the potential to carry out God's will in that time and place.
1 Samuel 16:1-13
The cliché is well known: "You can't judge a book by its cover." But how about this one: "It tastes awful. And it works"? That is the marketing slogan for Buckley's Cough Syrup. It truly tastes horrible, but it does soothe sore throats, clear sinuses, and calm coughs. (To witness the reaction first-time users get when tasting Buckley's, visit http://www.badtastetour.ca/index.cfm). Once you get past the taste, the medicine is actually effective.
David was a bit like Buckley's Cough Syrup. He wasn't the best looking, over his lifetime he did some atrocious things, but God saw past it all and saw David's heart; God knew David was the right choice for king of Israel.
Ephesians 5:8-14
Allen Carr (1934-2006) smoked for 31 years. He tried many times to stop, but, he usually smoked 100 cigarettes a day. He was miserable and, it seemed, impossibly addicted to nicotine. At his lowest physical condition, his son gave him a book by the South African heart-transplant surgeon Christian Bernard. The book explained the physiology of nicotine addiction. He stubbed out his last cigarette and yelled to his wife that he was going to save the world from smoking.
Soon his house became a clinic to help people stop smoking. Seventy clinics grew in 33 countries. He wrote The Easy Way to Stop Smoking. The success rate of his method was estimated between 53% to 90%, whereas other treatment programs have about a 5% to 20% success rate.
He had lived in what, for him, was darkness. He set out as a gratefully free person to live within his new light.
Ephesians 5:8-14
We live in the country. Occasional farm lights flicker in the distance, but our trees hide most of them. When our yard light is out, darkness makes it hazardous to venture far. Barbed wire fences, uneven terrain, and large, prowling, nocturnal animals make us hesitant.
In many ways, the whole world suffers a greater darkness. Folks stumble everywhere trying to make their way. News accounts remind us of war not just on battlefields, but in congressional halls, homes, and city streets. Decent folks endure repeated violence while judges seem to pamper criminals and place them in revolving doors that quickly usher them back to society. Parents have trouble not just knowing what's right for their kids, but controlling them. Many adults and children are addicted.
This present darkness isn't unique. It was lively in Paul's day, too. The only light then was Christ and still is. We need to stay in his light and "live as children of light."
Ephesians 5:8-14
Living in the light took on a whole new dimension for me in 1942 when the electricity was turned on in our farm home. The REA (Rural Electric Association) had gone through in 1939, but there was no way we could afford the minimal charge, then only $8 a month. Four years later, when farm prices were better, the time arrived when the house was wired and a pole for a yard light was installed.
I experienced the thrill that few today have experienced. Coming home from country school and discovering that the electricity was on! No more lantern carrying to light up the farm chore time! No more filling and refilling the old kerosene lamps for use in the house. There was light!
Just as there was anticipation and expectancy awaiting the arrival of light on the farm, there can be anticipation as we open our hearts to the indwelling presence of our Savior, the Lord Jesus. No longer was the dim, dangerous, hand-held lantern necessary. A new light had come to open the way. The new power provided energy to pump the water for home and farm.
Once we "plug in" to Christ, we find that he is light and provides the spiritual energy to light up our life and to provide light so others can find the way. "For once you were darkness but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true" (Ephesians 5:8).
John 9:1-41
The story of how Annie Sullivan taught Helen Keller (who lacked the ability to see and hear) to communicate is well known. Not so well known is another story from Helen Keller's life. Wishing for her to learn more of Jesus Christ, Annie Sullivan took Helen to meet with the famous preacher, Phillips Brooks, in Boston. With Annie serving as translator, Brooks laid out for the young woman the whole story of Jesus and our salvation.
When the story was over, a radiant look came over Helen's face. She signaled that she had something to say in reply. "Oh, Mr. Brooks," she said, through her faithful Annie. "I always knew God was like that, but until today I did not know his name!"
John 9:1-41
C. S. Lewis, the author of The Chronicles of Narnia, and lecturer at Cambridge University, rather hoped that there was not a God. He was an atheist and proud of it. He was as spiritually blind a person as there could be. Despite himself, he started reading the New Testament. One day, he decided to take a bus to the zoo. He wrote, "I know very well when, but hardly how, the final step was taken. I was driven to Whipsnade one sunny morning. When we set out I did not believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and when we reached the zoo, I did." Lewis, once spiritually blind, had his eyes opened that day on the bus by Jesus Christ.
John 9:1-41
Zion Church had a reputation of supporting missionaries in several countries around the world. Each spring they would hold a three-day "Missionary Conference." At the conference missionaries on furlong would come to speak, sharing the latest news from the mission field. They would come with many pictures as well as items from the country that they served. They would also thank the congregation for their support.
Pete noticed that the number of people attending the Missionary Conference seemed less each year. He began asking if people were losing their interest in oversea missions. As you might expect his questions angered a good number of people. They told him that their church had held mission conference for over thirty years, "They've always had one." Just the thought of not holding a conference was upsetting for many in the congregation. Pete backed down. The church would continue holding its annual event.
Over the course of the next several months, Pete focused on getting to know his neighbors. He always wondered why people living in the same neighborhood as the church would never attend. One day, he discovered the reason. A neighbor shared his experience of losing his job a decade ago. At the time his children were young, his wife did not work, and they had no income for several months until he found a new job. They went to the church seeking assistance. They even attended a couple of worship services. His overall impression of the church was that no one cared about them. No one offered any help. The pastor told them that there was no money budgeted for such assistance.
As the neighbor shared his frustration, the disappointment came pouring out. "How can the church support missionaries and not help a family living down the street?" he asked. "The people in that church do not know anything about our situation and obviously they did not want to know, either."
Jesus encountered a woman that the town's people ignored. Many looked down on her situation. Yet Jesus accepted and viewed this woman as a beloved child of God. As a result of that encounter the woman's life was forever changed.
How do we respond to the needs of our neighbors? Do we even know our neighbors?
John 9:1-41
It seems Jesus isn't the only one who can make the blind see. Dr. William Dobelle has done it to through his Artificial Vision System (AVS). The system consists of a camera mounted to glasses. The camera is connected to a dictionary-sized computer, which processes the data it receives, then sends the data to the brain through surgically implanted electrodes. Small wires protruding through the skull connect the electrodes to the computer. The electrodes stimulate the vision areas of the brain and the person sees. As the AVS is not yet sanctioned by the FDA, those who wish to purchase it -- it costs $100,000 -- must travel to Portugal to have the electrodes implanted.
People who buy the system do not immediately wear it full time. The system must be adjusted to meet each individual's requirements. And although the sight is not nearly perfect, one wearer testifies to an immediate uplifting of spirits and a sense of freedom.
People might not question wearers of the AVS as to who restored their sight so much as, "What is that gadget you're wearing?"
