The Soloist: A story of true serving

"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
      because he has anointed me
      to preach good news to the poor.
   He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
      and recovery of sight for the blind,
   to release the oppressed,
   to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."


Luke 4:18-19





I always loved this mission statement from Jesus, because it so clearly sets hope at the feet of the hopeless, and offers meaning to life.

The Soloist tells the story of Nathaniel, a musician from the Julliard school of music who was struck early in life with mental illness, and becomes homeless.   Through the movie a reporter takes interest in Nathaniel, first as a human interest story, but later as a person.

Int this movies the reporter learns just how difficult, but important it is to build trust.  He is deeply hurt when Nathaniel rejects his kindness, and refuses to be helped.  We learn several key points...

1) Sometimes our expectation of results is dashed, but that should only sharpen the motive to serve God, not draw our praise from men
2) Those we would serve may not appreciate, may not be able to ....
3) That sometimes the greatest change is upon those serving, not those served
4) Sometimes the message is not for those we serve but for us, for us to be transformed as we are touched by the kindness and grace of God.

Have you been disappointed by the response others have had toward your acts of kindness and sacrifice?    The only true answer has to be yes.  Now imagine Gods acts of kindess toward us, and our own disinterest.  Does seeing his perseverance, kindness and covenant commitment to you help you appreciate Him more.

It does, it should.

I can't actually recommend the movie, but understanding God's character and intent in the midst of disappointment is deeply endearing to say the least.