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1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”
In context, God sent Samuel to the house of Jesse to choose the next king of Israel. When Samuel saw Jesse’s oldest son, Eliab, he assumed he was the one God had chosen because Eliab was impressive in appearance and stature. But God corrected Samuel and told him not to look at Eliab’s outward appearance because the LORD does not see as man sees. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.
People naturally judge others by what we can see. We notice appearance, personality, success, position and accomplishments. These things may be noticeable to us, but they do not tell us everything about a person. God sees what we cannot see. He knows the heart, including a person’s motives, desires and character.
This verse encourages us to be careful about how we judge others. We need to remember that we cannot fully see someone’s heart or know all of their motives. We should not be quick to make conclusions about someone based only on outward appearance.
This should also cause you to examine your own heart. Do not be consumed with how you appear to other people. Be more concerned with how the LORD sees your heart. Ask Him to search your heart and reveal sinful attitudes, desires and behaviors that need to change. Confess your sins to Him and ask Him to give you the strength to obey and trust Him.
God sees your heart completely. You may be able to hide things from other people, but nothing is hidden from God. Come before Him honestly and allow Him to transform you from the inside out.
Samuel was looking at Eliab, but God had chosen David. David was not the obvious choice from a human perspective. He was the youngest son and was still tending the sheep. Yet God saw what Samuel could not see and chose David according to His own purposes (1 Samuel 16:8-13).
The goal is not to impress people with what they see on the outside. The goal is to have a heart that is pleasing to God. Ask Him to search your heart, reveal what needs to change and lead you in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:23-24). ~ Jeff M Newman
Latest Bible Study
Observe Jesus’ Commands
Learn the lesson of the fig tree. Recognize the signs of His second coming and be ready.
Matthew 24:32-35 Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its branches become tender and sprout leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So also, when you see all these things, you will know that He is near, right at the door. 34 Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have happened. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away. (Luke 21:29-33)
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Lesson 23 - The Commandments of Jesus - Part 1
Welcome back to the Hope Bible School verse-by-verse Bible study of 1 John. This is Jeff M Newman. Get a new lesson every other week on Monday at 12:00 PM Eastern.
Yesterday’s Devotional
We Take Captive Every Thought to Make It Obedient to Christ
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