“When they told it unto David, he sent to meet them, because the men were greatly ashamed: and the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return.” (2 Sam. 10:5)
If you have ever seen a painting or sketch showing any figure from the Old Testament, invariably you will first see them in what some might consider a “holy” pose, but secondly, they will almost always have a beard, a very long one most times. But now when you get a chance, take a look at paintings created at the general same time of the New Testament, and rarely, if ever will anyone in them have any facial hair. I can’t say why for sure, but I’m going to presume that it had to do with how men appeared at the time the painting was made.
It is a predictable occurrence, if you will look at nearly all who stand behind the pulpit today, you will see a clean shaven, well-trimmed hair individual. I cannot help but to think that there is a great desire by these men who are attempting to lead a flock to fit in with society, something that requires much more time to explain in a phycological reasoning way than we will spend time on here today, but it is indeed worth touching on.
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2)
Yet we are, much more than many born-again believers realize. That proper haircut is important, especially to the brute beasts of the world, but in many cases not much less to those who sit in the pews each Sunday morning. I have seen very few men of God in my life sporting a beard, yet it was so shameful to the men in the days of King David to be without any facial hair that after the enemy had shaved off half of theirs, they were too ashamed, probably after they themselves had removed the other half, to even show back up in town. Fitting in is very important to people, no matter if its in church or a biker bar, people do not like generally to stand out, for that will draw attention to themselves, yet they attempt to individualize themselves in any number of ways, while at the same time try to fit in.
I know, it’s not logical in the least, but nevertheless it is the truth.
Now think on all the images of Jesus that people have created, strong, viral, trustworthy, usually a well cropped beard and hair that looks like He just came out of a barbershop. “For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.” (Isaiah 53:2)
Average guy, nothing special to look at here.
It has been proven in the movie industry by sales receipts at the ticket office that a handsome Jesus draws in more revenue than an average looking Jesus. Here is truth, Jesus did not fit in, He didn’t look like a movie star, He didn’t speak or act like a “normal” person, and He didn’t care, He wasn’t here to win friends and influence people. “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)
How many times have you heard someone speaking on the radio and then later on had the opportunity to see what they looked like? Did the voice fit the face you envisioned? If your pastor decided to show up to church in his bathrobe, if he decided to grow a beard or sit on a chair through his sermon, would you give him as much respect as when he wore that suit and tie, which is in itself just another means of fitting into the world, to not be ostracized.
When you and I meet in heaven, will you expect a stately looking older gentleman, or someone who looks like he just stepped out of one of those biker bars. Here is the real question for you today, can you do what God does, can you look on the heart, or are you blinded by what your eyes see?
