God Looks At The Heart

Tuesday, 16 January 2024. Read 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ps. 891:20-22,27-28, Mark 2:23-28

“Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, ‘The Lord has not chosen these.’ And Samuel said to Jesse, ‘Are all your sons here?’ And he said, ‘There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.’ And Samuel said to Jesse, ‘Send and fetch him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.’” (1 Samuel 16:10-11)

As a result of his disobedience, God regretted making Saul a king, yet God did not remove him immediately. By asking Samuel to anoint another king even while Saul was still alive, God was asking Samuel to take a huge risk. These events contain a lot of lessons for us today.

1. Be Humble: No matter how good you are, there is someone better than you who can take your place. Do not become intoxicated with power. Saul did not fear disobeying God’s instructions because he felt greater than Samuel. David’s anointing was to teach Saul a lesson – to show him that the same anointing that brought him to glory could function in others. Regardless of your office today, never forget you are dust.

2. Dry Your Tears and Move On: Tears can blind us; we think we have reached the end of the road, not knowing we have only hit a pothole. God said to Samuel: “How long will you grieve over Saul? Fill your horn with oil and go…” While Samuel was crying, he probably forgot that he still had the oil that made Saul a king. You might not be happy with what others have done to you, but don’t forget it is never too late to start afresh. It is often said that the best revenge is success. Instead of fighting your enemies (or crying over them), let your success bring them to tears.

3. Have a Clean Heart: Samuel was moved by Eliab’s appearance, but God told him, “I have rejected him. ... Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Looking good is good business, but just as we try to look good, ensure your heart is clean. Does my character complement my good looks? If all my secret thoughts and deeds were displayed on a large television screen for the world to watch, would I be proud of what I would see?

4. What Is Yours Will Surely Come to You: There is no need to fight over anything. You don’t have to destroy anybody’s good name or kill just to get into power. Be good at what you do; even though you are in the thickest bush in the world, your goodness will bring you to the limelight. David was not invited to the consecration ceremony because he was considered an unimportant family member, yet as the stone was rejected, he became the cornerstone.

5. Seek to Impress God, Not People: No matter how good you are, people will find fault in you. Brace up for insults and criticism, but continue to do what is right. Jesus and his disciples were hungry, and as they passed through the cornfields, they plucked and ate the grains. While the people pointed fingers at Jesus, he said: “The Sabbath is made for man and not man for the Sabbath.”

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, may my worship of you come from my heart. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Tuesday of week 2 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ps. 89:20-22,27-28, Mark 2:23-28).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu