April 14, 2012 (1 Samuel 15-16; 1 Chronicles 5; Matthew 1)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 NLT
Observation: Samuel was sent to Bethlehem to anoint one of Jessie’s sons as king. When he looked at Eliab, he said, “Surely this is the Lord’s anointed!” The Lord told Samuel not to judge by appearance and that Eliab had been rejected in His eyes. Seven of Jessie’s sons came before Samuel, but none of them the Lord had chosen. David was in the fields tending to the sheep and goats. He was sent for and proved to be the one that God wanted anointed as king. Although people judge by the outward appearance, God looks at the heart. Saul was a tall and handsome man, and by outward appearance seemed to fit the role as king. But his heart was corrupt and he refused to obey all of God’s commands.
Application: Many people spend hours working on their outward appearance, yet most chose to neglect and abuse their spirit. Hours spent in a gym sculpting the perfect physique will prove to be time wasted when we stand before the mighty God of the universe. He will look upon our heart and judge righteously. Man determines the value of others based on what is physically seen, God values what’s on the inside. While we may be restricted to seeing only a person’s outer shell, God looks into the depths of our soul and sees who we really are. Many people appear to have it all together on the outside, but inside they are falling apart.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day. Thank You for looking deeper than my outward appearance. Thank You for Your Spirit that fills me and makes me the man You want me to be. Help me be pleasing to You in all that I do. Teach me Your word, I seek wisdom and understanding. In Jesus name, Amen!