Samuel anoints David
from Wikimedia Commons

What happens when a popular and influential leader loses his/her way? The MSM (MainStream Media) and alternative sources are forever keen to assist our views – either manipulatively or informatively!

Powerbrokers know when to make their move, no less the prophet/king-maker Samuel. King Saul was on the nose, and secret arrangements for his succession became necessary. It all sounds too familiar given events in our national parliament over recent years. There is nothing new under the sun.

Yet Samuel now takes on the guise of our Lenten guide. Even in the murky world of politics, he invites us to see through different eyes as he selects the next candidate for Israel’s monarchy.  Through Samuel’s selection process,we first hear the well known words, “…the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. ”

The story is in 1 Samuel 16:1-13

David, Samuel’s secret candidate, was by no means unflawed, but he became the epitome of the aspirations of his people, so much so that the messianic dream was built around his reign. It only needed Jesus of Nazareth to give it complete expression.

But for now, Samuel invites us to look beyond popular wisdom and convention and to see as he sees.