The Book and its Cover
1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Eliab is tall and handsome, but don't judge by things like that. God doesn't look at what people see. People judge by what is on the outside, but the LORD looks at the heart. Eliab is not the right man."
Have you ever taken a look at someone you’ve just met, and decided inside about ten seconds, that this person is not for you? So, you just dismiss them out of hand, without really getting to know them.
I was given a book to review recently by a young author. To be honest, it looked totally uninspiring. The title kind of didn’t mean much and the cover design left a lot to be desired. But because I like the guy, I opened the book and skimmed through its pages. You know, it was good. I mean, seriously good.
You know, I’m just like everyone else. I’m prone to judging a book by its cover. And when we do that, we can so easily miss out on the good stuff that’s inside.
1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Eliab is tall and handsome, but don’t judge by things like that. God doesn’t look at what people see. People judge by what is on the outside, but the LORD looks at the heart. Eliab is not the right man.”
That’s the story of God choosing David to be King of Israel. Samuel ended up discarding all of his older brothers, eventually choosing the runt of the litter. Why? Because God knew what was in David’s heart. On the outside he didn’t look much, and yet he became one of the greatest kings that Israel ever had.
Fortunately, God didn’t judge me on outward appearances either, because let me tell you, it wasn’t pretty. Instead, He looked at my heart and found something that He could work with; something He’d put there right from the very beginning.
It’s so easy to take a quick look at someone and then dismiss them based on what you see. So, when God brings people across your path, remember, don’t judge the book by its cover.
That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.
Blessed by this devotion?
Share it with a friend!
Respond