Abiding in ChristmasSample

"Abiding in Christmas: Daily Advent Thoughts" by Bryan Craig

DAY EIGHT

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” Then 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 get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.” And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.” Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah. (1 Samuel 16:7, 11-13 ESV)

The lineage of Jesus goes through His ancestor David. King David started out as an unexpected hero, a shepherd boy, but he was later called “a man after God’s own heart.” I love the way the Lord instructed Samuel, when he was tasked with choosing a king, that he should not look at the outward appearance, but rather, look at the heart. 

When Jesus came on the scene, He did not come in majesty or splendor, but in a humble, smelly manger. He drew people to Himself, not because of His title or His appearance, but because of His faith, His heart, and His love. Jesus continued the family heritage of His great, great, great … grandfather David. Jesus was a Shepherd, not of actual sheep, but of us, His flock. He is the Chief Shepherd. Our Shepherd loves all of His sheep, and He does not judge us by our outward appearance or our accomplishments. He looks at our heart.

APPLICATION: Are you trying to impress Jesus with your appearance or your good works or your spiritual resumé? Have you considered that perhaps He just wants your heart? Spend some time with your Shepherd today, asking Him what He thinks of you and how you can serve Him.