From The Inside Out

• Printable Version - Share on Facebook - Posted by Dion Todd August 26, 2016 - Filed in Devotional - 8,416 views
  When they had come, he looked at Eliab, and said, 'Surely Yahweh's anointed is before him.' But Yahweh said to Samuel, 'Don't look on his face, or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for I don't see as man sees. For man looks at the outward appearance, but Yahweh looks at the heart.' 1 Samuel 16:6 WEB
  
  King Saul was chosen to be the king of Israel, the most handsome and tallest man in the land (1Samuel 9:2). He was what the people wanted. Yet despite these "assets", when the Lord told him to destroy the Amalekites, he was afraid of the people and disobeyed the Lord (1Samuel 15:24). Saul looked strong on the outside, but he was weak within. Your gifting may take you further than your character can sustain you.
  
  God then chose a new person to replace Saul as king. He told Samuel to go to Bethlehem and anoint him. When Samuel arrived there and saw Jesse's son Eliab standing tall and strong, he was ready to anoint him, but the Lord told him 'This is not the one.' Seven of Jesse's sons passed before Samuel and the Lord said no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
  
  Finally the line of would-be kings reached the end. Samuel was confused and asked Jesse if these were all of his sons. Jesse reluctantly admitted that the youngest one was tending the sheep. The word that Jesse used for David was the same word that we use for 'Runt" meaning insignificant, lesser, or small. Samuel told Jesse to bring him and when little David walked up, the Lord said, 'This is the one. Anoint him.'
  
  We see people from the outside in and often judge them by their attractiveness, talent, or wealth. God sees us from the inside out. Who you are when no one is looking is who you really are. The unseen things that you do, are seen by the only One who matters, so make it count.
  
  David, the little shepherd boy, was anointed by Samuel and went on to become a great king. God saw more inside of David than anyone else did for God knows the heart. Though you may be the least and not in a position of power yet, though you take care of smelly things that others are too good to do, God sees you and there will be a reward.
  
  Prayer: Father, I thank You for waking me up today. Please comfort me today and let me know that You are there. Quicken Your word to me and let me understand it in a clear way. I want to experience more of You in my life, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.
  
  Note: This week''s Sunday message will be the first of a two-part series on the Holy Spirit. We believe that knowing the Holy Spirit and the role He plays for us is an important part of a victorious Christian life. Hope to see you this Sunday at RHM Live! The join on Sunday morning, watch previous messages, or sign up for notifications, go to the "Watch" link on the site menu. Have a blessed Friday!