What do the stories of Saul and David teach you about the difference between how people see us and how God sees us?
"2 And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people.
3 And the asses of Kish Saul’s father were lost. And Kish said to Saul his son, Take now one of the servants with thee, and arise, go seek the asses.
21 And Saul answered and said, Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me?" (1 Samuel 9:2–3, 21)
"17 And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the Lord anointed thee king over Israel?" (1 Samuel 15:17)
"21 When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken: and when they sought him, he could not be found.
22 Therefore they inquired of the Lord further, if the man should yet come thither. And the Lord answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff." (1 Samuel 10:21–22)
"7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)
"9 ¶ And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day." (1 Samuel 10:9)
And here's the introductory commentary for this week's reading assignment: "June 8–14: “The Lord Looketh on the Heart” 1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–16 :
"Saul was a keeper of donkeys. Though tall and handsome, he was “little in [his] own sight” and self-conscious about his family heritage (see 1 Samuel 9:2–3, 21; 15:17). On the day he was to be presented before Israel as their king, he didn’t show up; he was so nervous he “hid himself” (1 Samuel 10:21–22). Looking at Saul, you might not have guessed that he would lead the Israelites to victory over their enemies—or that he would later become prideful and rebel against the Lord.
David was a keeper of sheep. He wasn’t as physically impressive as his seven older brothers. On the day Samuel came to choose a new king for Israel, it didn’t seem worthwhile to include David among the possible candidates, so he was left out in the fields with the sheep. Looking at David, you might not have guessed that he would have the faith and courage to defeat a giant and become Israel’s most successful king.
But the Lord sees past our labels, our physical appearance, our insecurities. He looks, instead, “on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). And even when our heart isn’t quite right, if we’re willing, He will give us “another heart” (1 Samuel 10:9)."
The stories of Saul and David teach us that while people see our physical appearance and our insecurities or weaknesses, and are prone to label us, the Lord looks on the heart. And when we come unto Him, He shows us our weaknesses and transforms us, giving us "another heart" when our heart isn't quite right.
No comments:
Post a Comment