Monday is Presidents Day on the national calendar. It was established on the third Monday of February as a way to combine the observance of Washington’s birthday (Feb. 22) and Lincoln’s birthday (Feb. 12) and give people a three day weekend, but in many quarters it has evolved into a time to honor all the past presidents, not just the Father of Our Country and the Great Emancipator.
In reviewing the list of the 44 men who have held the office of president of the United States it is quite clear that things are not always what they seemed to be on the surface. While in office Presidents Eisenhower and Reagan were thought by many to be rather removed from the details of the office, preferring time on the golf course and at the ranch respectively. But later examination of the records of the White House showed that both men were fully engaged and powerfully directing the affairs of their administrations. One of President Kennedy’s favorite words was “vigor,” and he projected a public image of an athletic vigorous young president, but after his death it was revealed that he had several health problems that were being treated secretly and would have become quite apparent if he had lived longer. Some failed one term presidents (Taft, Hoover, Carter) have redeemed themselves with successful public service after living in the White House.
When the prophet Samuel was sent to Bethlehem to anoint a new king for Israel, he found a man named Jesse who had eight sons, all of whom were strong likeable young men. As Samuel was trying to discern which of them the Lord wanted him to anoint as king the Lord said to him, “the Lord sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (1st Samuel 16:7) And so Samuel was directed to the youngest son whom Jesse had not even thought to bring before Samuel. His name was David, and he was “ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome” (1st Samuel 16:12). Samuel would not have chosen him, but behind the beauty of this youngster was a heart for God and leadership skills that surpassed his elder brothers.
Judging and ranking kings and presidents is a game for historians and pundits. Judging and ranking our neighbors is something that people should try to avoid, not least because the whole story is rarely known. Only the Lord knows the whole story of what is going on in every individual’s life, and only the Lord is capable of judging correctly. He sees right to the heart. Many a man has been critical or even angry with someone only to find out later there was a perfectly reasonably explanation for what he or she did. Things were not what they seemed to be on the surface. Withholding criticism would have been the wiser course, at least until the full story was known.
In John 7:24 Jesus said, “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” The Lord knows all the details of every situation and will judge with right judgment. Be grateful that he is full of mercy, compassion, and love. And try to act with mercy, compassion, and love as only bits and pieces of every situation are revealed to us today.
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