The Hair
Last time out we took a look at The Heir. This time around, we are going to look at the hair. However, not just any hair, but facial hair: not just stubble, but whiskers, full on beards! First of all, I do not intended to offend anyone that, for whatever reason, cannot or chooses not to sport a beard. Secondly, and you might properly ask, Is this really devotional material? My simple answer would be: I have been thinking about this topic for a while, and now you can too! Thirdly, in all the photographs, Jesus has a beard. (That last line is purely tongue-in-cheek as I find it a bit silly, and I try in my writing to follow the rule of threes.)
I have a long history with facial hair; both of my grandfathers at various times cultivated mustaches. From my earliest years, I remember my paternal grandmother called mustaches “cookie dusters”, I never figured out what that meant, even though I have had some crumbs catch in mine. My dad always had a beard, except for brief periods when he would shave to change it up a bit. I am pleased to say that my son is carrying on, himself with quite a face full hair.
As for me, I suppose I have always hidden my chin. Sure, like my dad, there are times I have changed it up and let the bald face show, but somehow it’s just not me. Currently, my beard is getting fuller, longer, and whiter. The fuller and longer is a choice… The whiter, as one reader of this screed puts it, “wisdom highlights”, and quotes Proverbs 16:31:
“Gray hair is a beautiful crown. It is found on the way to righteousness. [EHV]”
Although Miss Clairol would thank me, to change wisdom highlights in a beard is a lot of work and expense. (Miss Clairol and I already have a “don’t ask don’t tell” policy about the crown anyway…)
The larger picture is what I have been thinking about. It has been a long time since a president of the United States has entertained any sort of whiskers. These things run in cycles and in my opinion, the cycle should begin again. I could even side with a nice set of sideburns, the more like “mutton chops” the better! Take a look at the portraits of the Presidents here. We need a good Rutherford B. Hayes inspired look, and soon. Is it possible a change-up in facial hair in public office would lead to a shift in a public policy mindset? Or, would it lead to a public distraction away from the governance. The Media would have a field day guessing at the meaning and motivation behind a month’s worth of growth. Growth not just on someone’s chin, but growth in an awareness of a set of values that would begin a process to unify and not divide.
Or should we follow David’s lead as he fled from Saul to the Philistines:
He changed his behavior in their presence and pretended to be insane while he was in their hands. He … let his spit run down his beard.
From <https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2021&version=EHV>
The Philistine king had this response:
“Look, can’t you see that the man is insane? Why have you brought him to me? Don’t I have enough madmen? Did you have to bring this madman into my presence? “
From <https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2021&version=EHV>
After David left there he started to gather
Everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered around him, and he became their commander.
From <https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2022&version=EHV>
Many in this world look at Christians much the same way as the Philistine king looked at David. We Christians have gathered around the Son of David. As the season of Advent ends with the celebration of the birth of the King of Kings, let us rejoice for the Savior of the world. The Heir with facial hair.
And don’t look too closely at the white in my beard, you may just see a bit of spittle running down.
Trust the Promises,
Steve Skiver