Daily Retreat 01/17/06

2006 Jan 17 Tue: Anthony, ab M

1 Sm 16: 1-13/ Ps 88(89): 20. 21-22. 27-28/ Mk 2: 23-28

From today’s readings: "Not as man sees does God see, because he sees the appearance but the LORD looks into the heart.... I have found David, My servant; with My holy oil I have anointed him.... the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath."

Not as man sees does God see

God’s election of David as King of Israel came as a total surprise to everyone, even the prophet Samuel himself! God reminded Samuel that "not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance but the LORD looks into the heart." It’s a reminder for you and me as well, both about how we should see ourselves, and how we see others.

Perhaps you’ve enjoyed great success and worldly esteem - what does that amount to in the eyes of God? Conversely, perhaps you’ve had more than your share of failures and are routinely dismissed by others, yet rather than yielding to discouragement, you should look for the good that God created in you - what He yet sees in your heart!

As we look to others, it’s so easy to write someone off just because we can’t see much good in him, or be easily impressed with worldly credentials. But again, we must listen (as Samuel did) as God reveals His standards, and thus we seek to see as God sees.