Thursday, May 14

THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2020


"But the LORD said to Samuel, '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)


In 1 Samuel 15, we read of Saul's failure to follow through on Samuel's instructions upon conquering the Amalekites. He chooses his own path, as he had previously done in making an untimely offering. Despite Samuel's first rebuke, Saul doesn't take heed and will ultimately lose his kingship. Samuel explains that "to obey is better than sacrifice," a common refrain in the Old Testament Scriptures, particularly Psalm 51.

Per the Lord's prompting, Saul anoints David as king of Israel. While David will also fall short of God's holy standard, he maintains a faithful, repentant heart through the years. Particularly, he inclines his heart to worship God, writing some of the most beautiful songs of love and praise.

As I reflected on David and his story today, David's long-time struggle against Saul came to appear much like our Christian walk. David knew that God had anointed him for the role as king; yet, he would need to persevere under the danger of pursuing the Philistines and attacks even from Saul himself. David would not find protection in anyone but his friend Jonathan and the Lord Himself. He would need to rely on God's serving as his Shield (Psalm 3:3).

Similarly, we have received many promises in the Scriptures as followers of Christ. Quite a few of these promises, particularly relating to God's eternal Kingdom in heaven, have not yet been fulfilled. We wait expectantly, but we can become distracted in our waiting. We may even face persecution from this world or attacks from the Evil One. We may waver and wonder about the fulfillment of God's promises. As with David, we must rely on God's serving as our Shield.

Just as with David, God has called us to serve as co-heirs with Christ in His eternal Kingdom. The fulfillment is sure; the timing is up to our loving heavenly Father. May we wait with courage, perseverance, and hope.

What promises has God made to you? Which have already been fulfilled? Which ones have not yet been fulfilled? How has He served as your Shield today?


Lord God, thank You for sending Your Son as the Guarantor of better promises. Thank You for giving us hope as we wait. Help us to honor You with our actions and thoughts. Prepare us to become more like You. In Jesus's mighty Name, amen.


"Shield about Me": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sseXFvL3aXk


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