The 2nd Sunday After Pentecost (06/14/09)

For the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.

--1 Samuel 16:7b

And since the Lord looks on the heart, it was the shepherd boy David who was anointed King over Israel. The prophet Samuel thought it would be one of the Jesse's older boys, but it didn't turn out that way -- because mortals look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks upon the heart.

When the Lord looks upon your heart, what does the He see? There are times when we are so busy with outward appearance that we might not be completely sure what is on the heart. By looking a certain way and saying certain things, we hope to create the outward impression, before everyone we come into contact with, that all is hunky-dory with us. But our hearts may tell a different story, a story that we try so hard to keep under wraps. The truth can be unsettling and at times a threat to social propriety.

The Lord knows of our affinity for outward appearance. But He loves us too well to join us in the aforementioned affinity. Instead, He looks upon our heart; He sees the truth of the matter. And where that heart is foul and wrong, He cleanses it. And He had good use of a lowly shepherd boy named David who became the King of Israel and the forerunner of the Christ.

The gaze is not a burning or penetrating one. It is the look of love -- upon your heart!

PD