09/22/2008
1 Samuel 16:7 (HCSB) 7But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or his stature, because I have rejected him. Man does not see what the LORD sees, for man sees what is visible, but the LORD sees the heart.”
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This verse comes from a passage where Samuel was sent to find a new king for Israel. Saul had repeatedly broken God’s directions and so Saul and his lineage were rejected by God as the kings of Israel. God sent Samuel to the house of Jesse to find and anoint a new king.
As Samuel sat looking at the sons of Jesse, he looked at the eldest and was sure this was the one God had chosen because of his stature and demeanor. But God reminded Samuel that He sees things that we do not.
How many times have we judged people by what we see on the outside? We consider men of imposing stature to be better leaders, when in fact; they may be ill equipped for the task. We see people of lesser stature and suppose they are not very important. I suppose that is just human nature.
But God looks at something more enduring than our outward appearance. He looks at the heart, because it is the heart that leads us to honor God or despise Him. We can put on a good act and fool those around us into thinking we are something we are not, but when God looks at the heart, there is nothing we can do to fool Him.
We need to learn to look beyond the physical appearance of people and learn their hearts. We may find many treasures within the humble.
Jesse finally presented his youngest son, David to Samuel. David was of smaller stature, certainly smaller than his brothers, but this was the one that God chose. David’s heart was fully devoted to God.
And as for you, what is in your heart? When people look at you, do they see what God sees? In other words, are you living a sincere life – devoted to God – without any pretenses?
Jeff Justus
Cleff Publishing
www.cleffpublishing.com
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