Read 1 Samuel 16:1-13. Prior to this episode, the Lord has told Samuel that Saul will no longer be king. Saul, who is described in this way: “There was not a man among the people of Israel more handsome than he; he stood head and shoulders above everyone else” (1 Sam. 9:2). Between the choosing of Saul to be king and the time the Lord rejects him, Saul proves that outward appearances are not always an indication of worthiness, goodness, or righteousness. Standing before Jesse’s sons, Samuel assumes the Lord’s chosen one must be the tallest, best-looking one. But the Lord says, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
We get so caught up in maintaining our outward appearance and place great weight on what the world around us sees. In the same way, we might assume that a person’s appearance indicates their worthiness. How comfortable would you be if the people around you could see what is on your heart? How comfortable are you with the idea that God looks at your heart rather than at what you present to the world? In the end, God chooses David, the youngest and smallest (although we are told he is still handsome!). As the youngest, he would have the least authority and respect among his brothers, but the Lord still chose him.
What do we learn from this? Have you ever been surprised by the gifts of one who appeared a little rough around the edges?
In prayer, ask for help in seeing others through the lens of God and commit yourself to offering up the deeper parts of yourself to God and to the world.
Read Psalm 23. This is one of the best-known and revered texts in the Bible. In times of trouble or anxiety, these beginning lines remind us of God’s eternal and loving presence. We take comfort in knowing God is with us. The following lines remind us of God’s nearness even in facing death. “I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…you are with me.”
Was there a time this scripture reminded you of God’s faithfulness? How does God’s nearness draw you into a deeper, more trusting relationship with the Lord?
I invite you to join me in this prayer: Come my Light, and illumine my darkness. Come my Life, and revive me from death. Come my Physician, and heal my wounds. Come, Flame of divine love, and burn up the thorns of fear and doubt, binding my heart with the flame of your love. Come, my King, sit upon the throne of my heart and reign there. For thou alone art my King and my Lord. Amen. (based on a prayer by Dimitrii of Rostov)
Read Ephesians 5:8-14. When we open ourselves up to Jesus, we begin to realize we can no longer hide the parts of ourselves we would rather keep in the dark. Jesus, who is the light, shines into the deepest recesses of our spirits, and makes us want to shed those thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors that cause us shame. In verse 9 we read, “…for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true.”
What kind of fruit do your bear in your life and in your relationships? Is it the fruit of darkness or of light? Who is nourished by your fruit?
Offer this prayer (from rev-o-lution.org): “Everlasting God, You have given us this life in the hope we might make our world a little better, and make Your light known a little brighter. Help us to do this work You have called us to do. In the name of Christ, who was in the beginning with You, who walked this earth among us, and will come into this world in a new way, we pray. Amen.”
Read John 9:1-41. This dramatic healing story where a man blind since birth receives sight symbolizes conversion to Jesus and the divisions new spiritual sight can cause. After this man miraculously gained sight, it appears no one celebrated his healing. The disciples wanted to cast blame for his blindness. The family and neighbors were afraid to testify to the good work of Jesus, for fear of judgement and ridicule. Finally, the Pharisees couldn’t get past the breaking of social norms that keep a structure of insiders and outsiders intact.
For many reasons, we don’t want to recognize the mighty work God is doing in people, as well. We justify our tempered excitement for people by saying, “I know him. This won’t last”, or “The church she is attending is too radical.” We can make all kinds of excuses why God can’t be working in someone, including ourselves. Regardless of your situation, how can you let your gratitude for God’s work be as full as it should be? How can you reflect that gratitude for God’s great works?
In your prayer today, ask God to help you see God’s good works in yourself and in your neighbor.