Saturday, April 9, 2016
He chose his servant David, calling him from the sheep pens. He took David from tending the ewes and lambs and made him the shepherd of Jacob's descendants—God's own people, Israel. He cared for them with a true heart and led them with skillful hands. (Psalm 78:70-72 NLT)
Psalm 78 is a historical psalm that recounts how God persevered with his people even when they disbelieved. It demonstrates so much of the heart, nature, and character of God - His loyal love, faithfulness, and mercy. At the end of the this psalm there is the telling of one of God's great reversals - a "switcheroo" that touches me to the core of my being. God chooses David - a little shepherd boy - to be the king of His chosen people.
Earlier in today's readings we read of a blessing that was spoken by Moses over Joseph's descendants. It reads: "May these blessings rest on Joseph's head, crowning the brow of the prince among his brothers" (Deuteronomy 33:16). It would have made sense for God to choose one of Joseph's descendants. "But he rejected Joseph's descendants; he did not choose the tribe of Ephraim" (Psalm 78:67). Instead he chose David - the least of his family - to be king.
God does not always make sense to us. We easily assume that the best, the brightest, the most educated, the most gifted, the most talented, and the most attractive are the ones that are the most worthy to be put into such positions of influence as king over nations. But, this is not how God sees. "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 NIV).
Someone reading this has felt like me. You've felt unworthy, unprepared and unequipped. You may be lacking education, lacking the gifts and talents that others have, and may not feel very attractive. But, what does God see? He sees His image in you. God sees the destiny in you. He knows the plans He has for you even though others have tried to dictate your future. He sees His beautiful, amazing creation. He knows your heart and He knows that you can do exceedingly and abundantly more than you can ask or imagine according to the power (the Holy Spirit) which is at work within you (Ephesians 3:20). The Lord is looking at your heart, nothing else. If you are open and available to Him - if you have a heart for God - then, why not you? You may think you're the least, but God sees a treasure!
No comments:
Post a Comment