A rabbi once saw Elijah slip into the back of the synagogue during a festival service. Knowing that Elijah’s appearance could well signify the immanent return of the Messiah, the Rabbi slipped up to Elijah and asked him what was about to happen. “Be patient” Elijah replied “the time is not yet.” Excited by the coming prospect the rabbi started out to ask about the coming events, but again the answer was offhanded. “Well” asked the rabbi “how many here will see the LORD’s glory?” “Hmm” said Elijah “not many here I’m afraid.”
Suddenly Elijah brightened up. “There’s one” he exclaimed.

The rabbi turned and saw a harassed figure in a tattered uniform slipping quietly into the back of the synagogue; late as usual! The rabbi was curious and slipped up to the quiet figure. “Tell me friend, who are you and what do you do.” “Oh’ said the poor man, “I am a prison warden. I am late because my work is so onerous and hard.” “How is that?” asked the rabbi. “Well, I always work hard to ensure the prisoners in my care have sufficient healthy food for their bodily maintenance, in addition I ensure that they have meaningful tasks to occupy themselves, so they don’t get too depressed. Then I am constantly on watch to see that do not harass, abuse and bully each other. I have to keep a close eye on them during their exercise periods and ensure that they are locked up in appropriately safe and secure cells. It is a wonder that I ever manage to slip out to this synagogue; especially as I am a Christian but my church is just too far away. Still this is a good place to acknowledge my creator and reflect on God’s glory.”
“See” said Elijah, “what did I say? For sure this man will be seen in the coming kingdom.”

The rabbi was surprised and a little disappointed by this example; so he asked “Are there any others here who will see the LORD’s glory?” “Hang on” replied Elijah “I am still looking. “Aha” he said suddenly “there is another couple.” The rabbi turned and saw two new comers colourfully dressed, but shabby. He went over to them and again asked them who they were and what they were doing. “Well” they said defensively, “we are Jews, but to hell with religion, we have come in to listen to the cantor; his singing is really inspirational.” “No no” replied the rabbi, “you misunderstand me; what I meant was what do you do for a living?” “Oh” they replied “we don’t really have a living, we are street musicians or buskers. We search for people who look lonely and depressed and we give them music, dancing and humour to cheer them up. We don’t let up, until we can send them away happy and hopeful, looking for new opportunities in life. Then if we hear quarrelling, we step in and bring humour and understanding to those disputing. We play lively music and induce them to dance together and again send them away laughing and fulfilled.”
“Yes” said Elijah, “as a prophet I can surely predict that you will see those two again in the LORD’s glory.”

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