Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 16:6-13
Today’s Verse: “But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 KJV
Outward versus Inward.
The world will always try to determine someone’s value based on how they look on the surface rather than what is on the inside. They are always looking at appearance, status, and achievements.
It is great to know that God values our inner character. He is looking at our true motives, not our outward appearance, status or achievements.
In this passage, God had sent the prophet Samuel to Bethlehem. He sent him there to anoint a new king of Israel from the sons of Jesse.
When Samuel got there, he began to look at Jesse’s oldest son, Eliab. He saw that he was tall and strong in appearance. He thought this meant he was God’s chosen king. But he was wrong.
Jesse continued to call his sons, Abinadab, Shammah, and seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. But none were chosen of God.
There was one son left. David was his name. He was the youngest son. He was keeping the sheep. Samuel told Jesse to send someone to get him. That no one would sit down until He comes.
We know they looked at him differently. That he was not in a position to be king.
David was the one chosen by God. David would be king.
God was not looking at our outward appearance. That is why God told the prophet Samuel not to judge by height or looks when he was choosing a king.
Human values are based on physical looks or status. God values character, integrity, and the inner person.
That is why we need to stop comparing ourselves to others. To stop worrying about what others think about us.
God knows our true worth comes from who we are on the inside. We never have to put on a act to gain His love. He knows who we are and accepts us as we are.
When we realize this fact, we will not have a problem changing how we look and value others too. We will look deeper and treat others with the dignity God sees in all of us.
A WORD OF PRAYER
Father, we are thankful that You do not look at us the way the world does. People will always look at our outward appearance. They look at our status and success. We are so happy You look straight into our hearts. You see who we really are. Father please forgive us for the times we have sat in judgement of others. Give us the eyes to see others around us with love, grace, and truth. We want to live and see others the way You see us all. Thank You for looking beyond all our faults and seeing our needs.
In Jesus Name We Pray, Amen