Looks And Life
6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, "Surely the LORD's anointed stands here before the LORD."
7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, "The LORD has not chosen this one either." 9 Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, "Nor has the LORD chosen this one." 10 Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, "The LORD has not chosen these." 11 So he asked Jesse, "Are these all the sons you have?"
"There is still the youngest," Jesse answered, "but he is tending the sheep."
Samuel said, "Send for him; we will not sit down [a] until he arrives."
12 So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features.
Then the LORD said, "Rise and anoint him; he is the one."
13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah.
Bee's Thoughts:
I often heard that men will normally go for look first before character when choosing thier mates. That in itself explains the many relationship failures we know of.
God's way is always the best way. He chooses a person's heart/character rather than the physical look.
In Acts 13:22, God said, "'I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.'" It's true that David "was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features" (v12) but his brothers had better look and were taller I suppose.
Also in Proverbs 31:30, it says. "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." Beauty fades but character stays, especially one that is moulded by God.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for looking at my heart instead of my appearance. I will grow old and feeble one day but my heart and spirit will remain with you Lord. I pray that you will make my heart always seeking You like King David did. A heart of tenderness towards You, a heart of love and compassion, a heart that seeks You, a heart that repents when You show me my sins.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Tommy's Thought:
It is not wrong that we spend time keeping our selves looking good and pleasant, but we should not emphasize it until we overlook developing our inner character and improving our heart’s attitude. We should not also treat others differently based on physical appearance.
There is so much to be learned in v7 when God said to Samuel “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." It makes sense to invest and emphasize on something than will lasts, the inner qualities and character of a person.
Dear Lord, thank You for teaching me not to judge others by how they look; that physical appearance alone doesn’t reveal much about what a person and their value truly is. Guide me to spend time improving my attitude and character, giving me a new heart and the right desires to be a better person, as You alone know what my heart really is. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
