So it was, when they came, that he looked at Eliab and said, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before Him!”
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
So Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all the young men here?” Then he said, “There remains yet the youngest, and there he is, keeping the sheep.”
And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him. For we will not sit down till he comes here.” So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with bright eyes, and good-looking. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!” Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel arose and went to Ramah.
For man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart… Wow! What a statement.
I love the bible. I love its contents. And I love the spirit behind its contents. In the words of Solomon: there is nothing new underneath the sun
. If I had the privilege to rewrite that statement, I would add another line with these words: and you can find it all in the bible. Keeping inline with biblical instructions and tradition, I don’t need to. It is all sufficient in itself. On that note, I’m reminded of the words of the Psalmist: Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar. Its indeed the owner’s manual.
Good morning friends. In an era when looks, appearance and charisma have taken centre stage in all works of life including the church; the bible once again provides us with wisdom, insight, and the correct perspective. Samuel almost fell victim of this problem at the appearance of Eliab; he looked the part, he ticked all the boxes; so he said emphatically: “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before Him!”
Surely? Lord have mercy… Have mercy on us for the decisions we have taken based on what we know or think we know. Have mercy on us for the choices we have made, opinions or counsel we have given to others based on our worldview or biases. Help us to see things your way. Help us to listen out for your voice, help us to wait in patience. Amen.
Dear friends. When Esau discovered the value of his birthright, he sought after it with tears and groaning; sadly it was all to no avail.
~ Sabali
Healingsprings fellowship 