Elections in India often assume a spiritual shade with politicians visiting places of worship for blessings from sadhus, mullahs and priests. Eventually, they result in the boldest, loudest and wealthiest being elected. By sharp contrast, “election” in biblical terminology refers to God’s choice of coworkers. Contrary to human expectations, God chooses the youngest and the weakest to accomplish extraordinary tasks.
Biblical heroes Abel, Jacob, Joseph and King David are the youngest of their families. Braving elder sibling envy, deception, slavery and imprisonment, Joseph becomes governor of Egypt. Shepherd-boy David is chosen king over and above seven hefty, handsome sons of Jesse. Prophet Samuel — whom God delegates to choose a king — is instructed: “Do not look at the appearance or height or stature, for God does not see as men do; they look at outward appearance, but God looks within the heart.”
The story of young David and gigantic Goliath is well known. Divesting himself of the arms and armour that King Saul heaps upon him, David says: “I cannot walk with these; for I’m not used to them.” Armed with faith in God alone, this aam aadmi challenges Goliath: “You come with sword and spear, but I come in God’s name,” and slays him with a sling and stone.
Biblical heroines like Ruth, Esther, Judith and Mary, mother of Jesus, are archetype of the aam aurat who collaborates with God to accomplish mammoth missions. Widowed Ruth refuses to desert her mother-in-law and another widow Judith delivers her people. Likewise, Esther is elected queen out of the hoi polloi and gets King Ahasuerus to save her people. Mary’s everyday heroism lies in her single-minded devotion to God and her son, Jesus.
God’s election is not only confined to the “little ones” individually. But, three groups — widows, orphans and migrants — enjoy God’s special favour since they are spouseless, parentless and friendless, respectively. Divine predilection for these “lesser” ones stems from the “lack” they experience, which God fills up with maternal love and paternal protection.
Jesus’ love for society’s “little ones” is striking. Born in the “little town” of Bethlehem, he reiterates God’s option for the weak by teaching us that our salvation depends on our love and service of the last and the least of God’s children, the poor.
Hindu socio-religious reformers like Swami Vivekananda and Gandhiji remind us of the importance of Daridra Narayana Seva: loving service of the poor synonymous with devotion to God. Tagore writes: “Here is your footstool and there rest your feet where live the poorest, the lowliest and the lost.”
Election time, while we might vote for the wisest and wealthiest to govern us, let’s not forget our responsibility towards the aam aadmi whom God loves.
