Last in line

Bible Reading: Read 1 Samuel 16:1-12
Author: Cora Hawkins Darrah (North Carolina, US)
Friday 29 March 2024 © The Upper Room.
I must admit that Carl wasn’t my first choice. At the time, he wasn’t even on my radar. I had requested a brown, female bulldog. Unfortu- nately, the brown beauty died only a couple of days after birth. Being eager for a new bulldog puppy, I didn’t hesitate when the breeder sent me a picture of a small fawn-coloured male. Little did I know that this precious puppy – my second choice – would have such an impact on my life.

Some of us have felt the effects of being a second or even last choice. I find comfort in the fact that even David’s own father failed to consider him as a candidate to be the next king. Jesse presented Samuel with all his sons except David. But God told Samuel that David was the chosen one, that the Lord does not judge by the outward appearance, but by the heart.

I have definitely been guilty of looking only at outward appearance. It is human nature to gravitate towards people who are like us in appearance or character. But if we are to emulate Jesus, we will look beyond the exterior and seek out the heart. I am so thankful that God has given me friends from different ethnic and social backgrounds who are also seeking God’s heart. But most importantly, I believe that I will continue to be blessed with the assurance that God has chosen me.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to look beyond people’s appearance, ethnicity or background and see them as you do. Amen
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