Finally, the Lord said to Samuel, “You have mourned long enough for Saul. I have rejected him as king of Israel. Now fill your horn with olive oil and go to Bethlehem. Find a man named Jesse who lives there, for I have selected one of his sons to be my new king.” But Samuel asked, “How can I do that? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me.” “Take a heifer with you, ” the Lord replied, ” and say that you have come to make a sacrifice to the Lord. Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you which of his sons to anoint for me.” So Samuel did as the Lord instructed him. When he arrived at Bethlehem, the leaders of the town became afraid. “What’s wrong?” they asked. “Do you come in peace?”
“Yes,” Samuel replied. “I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Purify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” Then Samuel performed the purification rite for Jesse and his sons and invited them, too. When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, “Surely this is the Lord’s anointed!” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t make decisions the way you do! People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at a persons thoughts and intentions.” 1 Samuel 16:1-7
Jesse is from Bethlehem. Samuel went to Bethlehem to anoint the future King. But Samuel didn’t know which son would be king. King Saul (the king at the time) was tall and handsome. Samuel may have been looking for a king similar to King Saul. God looks on the inside, our heart.
I know the main response to say when judging is that we are not too. however, honestly, I don’t know a person who doesn’t judge. One way or other we judge one another.
Do you judge others for their outer appearance?
Have you ever taken the time to pray over them?
Have you ever asked God what he sees?
Sometimes we miss what God is wanting to show us because we are to busy listening to what others say?
Think on these questions. Tomorrow I will finish up on this topic and some more.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you that you see what is inside our hearts. Help us to see what you see. Help us not to judge on outside appearance but from within.
In Jesus Name,
AMEN
