A Story Is Told Of A Native American Boy Who Is ...

A story is told of a Native American boy who is being initiated into manhood. He is released into an unfamiliar forest to live for a time on his own wits.

As he begins scouting the area, he sees a white wolf, and he imagines the status of the prize. To return not only successful, but with the pelt of a white wolf across his shoulders would surely bring him great respect and acclaim. He begins tracking the wolf.

As the sun begins to set, the wolf has eluded him and he sees the folly of his ways. A real warrior would have taken care of fundamental needs on his first day. He would have found water, built a simple hut and killed a simple rabbit for his meal. But he had wasted his day pursuing a prize and has to spend the next day catching up.

This is the dilemma of the newly returned Jews. They are decking their houses with luxury even as they neglect their basic spiritual needs. Their need for worship goes lacking, while their desire for status is fed.