Sizing Them Up

The story of David reminds us that we always have hope in Christ. We cannot out sin God’s ability to forgive and we can live in a meaningful and beautiful relationship with God.

There have been several times that I have identified with David. Times when I didn’t feel that I measured up or times when others felt I didn’t meet their expectations. Have you ever felt that way? I’m sure that at sometime or place you have probably been treated as if you didn’t exit, weren’t wanted or didn’t matter.

David’s story began when Samuel was sent by God to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as the next king of Israel. God didn’t tell Samuel which son, only that he was to go in obedience.

The sizing up began the minute that Samuel step foot in Bethlehem. The elders of the town immediately asked his purpose for coming to town as it wasn’t a usual occurrence and they were worried. Just seeing him made them question and wonder. He assured them that he came in peace and asked Jesse and his son’s to join him for a sacrifice.

Then Samuel was next to “size up,” what he saw. The oldest son of Jesse was brought before him and he was impressed with his appearance and height, but the Lord said to Samuel words that are key to becoming a person after God’s own heart;

“Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” -1 Samuel 16:7

Everyone of David’s older brothers looked the part but were not chosen by God to be the next king. Finally Samuel asked if there were any other sons and Jesse replied, “There is still the youngest, but he is tending sheep.” Jesse dismissed David because he was the youngest and was a lowly shepherd.

All the sons of Jesse had been invited, but David had not been included in the meeting until Samuel asked if there were any others. David knew what it felt like to be left out. Have you ever been invited but not included? Have you ever excluded others?

When David arrived the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; he is the one.” David had be sized up by man, rejected and excluded, but he had been seen by God was chosen and anointed.”

At times I find myself “sizing up” others. Judging them by height, weight and appearance. The qualities that should be catching my attention are those found in the heart; kindness, selflessness, loyalty and love, just to mention a few. Those are the marks of true greatness.

Comparing ourselves to others is another way of “sizing up.” Why do we allow ourselves to be intimidated into believing that we are less than we really are?

Jesus knows all about being “sized up.” It was written about Him before He was born, “He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.” Isaiah 53:2

Yet, when I think of Jesus, I imagine the most amazing, beautiful and wonderful person that ever lived. Why? Because of His heart. He heart loves the unlovable. His heart forgives the sinner. His heart has compassion on the brokenhearted. His heart of grace is available to everyone. His heart has a desire for us to know Him and I want to know Him more.

My Prayer

Father, thank you for seeing me and showing me how to truly see others. You have made each of us in our own unique ways for our own purposes. Open my eyes to see the true character traits that matter to You. Transform me into someone who has a heart like Yours. In Jesus name, amen.

Where does my help come from?

2 Corinthians 5:17

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

Psalm 51:10

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”