Scripture:
1 Samuel 16:6-7 ESV
[6] When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him.” [7] But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
Observation:
It was time to pick a new king. One that had a heart posture like GOD’S. Samuel was standing with Jessy asking about his sons as his sons passed in front of him. He had chosen Saul as king due to the way he looked. If you remember, the bible said he was head and shoulders above the rest and very handsome. He was impressive to look at, but not much of a king. Proud and disobedient would be a great way to start the exploration of his rule as king. GOD wanted a man after his own heart. The outward appearance did not matter. The question was, would he obey, would he seek to do what is right, would he repent when he was wrong? Or would he just explain away or justify his actions? It’s the heart that GOD looks at.
Application:
I have a question for you this morning. How many times have you looked at what someone looks like and made an assessment based on their appearance? Either qualifying or dismissing them because of their outward appearance. It’s a mistake I have made in the past, and honestly, it’s been a mistake people have made when they look at me. I’m not writing this SOAP to draw your attention to me. I just wanted to encourage everyone this morning. GOD does not look at the shell you are wrapped in… because that’s not who you are. In fact, that is only what you look like, and looks can be deceiving. I can go in a few different directions with this SOAP. However, I think what needs to be brought out is… your heart. That’s what GOD is looking at. Just like an egg. Your flesh is only an outer part that protects what is important. Your inner workings. You can’t see what’s inside the egg unless you open it. Then, and only then, you see the nutrients inside. Now, don’t get me wrong, GOD does not see you as an egg, but HE looks at your heart. Man, look at your shell. James gives us a warning about this. In chapter 2 of his book. If we could take the time to slow down long enough to see the inside of someone rather than looking at their shell, we might just get a better idea of who people are. My point is this… I want GOD to see my heart and know that it is chasing after HIS desire for me. I no longer want what satisfies my flesh. I desire what glorifies the Father.
Prayer:
Father, we want our hearts to be right with you. We are not looking to be prideful or to exalt ourselves. We want your ways, your truth. The light that you have. You are the living water. That will never leave us thirsty. Help us to always keep our hearts in a position of forgiveness and repentance. So that when we come to you. We can come boldly to the throne of grace. Knowing that you have made a way for us to be in a relationship with you. Thank you for the price you paid to open that door. Restore to us the joy of your salvation. Knowing it’s nothing we did. But a free gift of your love. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus we pray, amen.