Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of the 7th Week of Easter: Year 2
Morning, Psalm 97 and 99; Evening, Psalm 94;
1st Samuel 16:1 to 13a; Ephesians 3:14 to 21; Matthew 8:18 to 27:
“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (1st Samuel 16: 7)
For their first king, God allowed the people of Israel to have a say in the selection of their king. But now, even though God does not like the idea of them having a king other than God’s self, God will select from among mortals for them.
Perhaps a good leader is also someone who will be careful in selecting close advisers to assist in the leadership of the people. David will have Samuel and later Nathan who were prophets but also spiritual advisors. At all levels of leadership today, be it Scouting, the Military, Community Organizer, or City, State, or Federal level leadership, such persons should put some thought into who they will seek counsel with for the best way forward.
God is not looking at height, or intellect or race or gender from among the early Israelites, or us today. God is only concerned with a potential leader’s heart, with his or her compassion for others. We should be the same way. When we select leaders we should be most concerned with the heart and compassion of a potential leader.
Today, May 19, we remember Dunstan of Canterbury, Monk and Archbishop (May 19, 988) and his information may be found at: Dunstan.
As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
Let us pray:
O God, as you enable us to help ourselves through leaders of compassion, teach us we pray, to be truly concerned about the welfare of all people, cultures, and families and our potential leaders associates, in order that our view of potential leadership will be closer to the way You see us, You who live, love and rule forever and ever. Amen.
onewhoponders 