Saturday, June 20

Today’s Readings: Psalm 10; 1 Samuel 16:1-13; John 19:12-26; 2 Corinthians 10:7-12; Psalm 13 (Sorry, my hotel browser won't allow me to post hyperlinks so you'll have to look the Scriptures up on your own).

As someone who has followed American politics for years, it always amazes me how fickle the American electorate is. One example of this is how Americans evaluate the viability presidential candidates. Early each primary season, the media goes to great lengths to identify potential candidates. One of the first criteria they use is the question: “Do they look as if they could play the role of president?” By this, they mean is the candidate attractive and charming enough to play the role of president. That superficial evaluation has always frustrated me a great deal – for that “beauty show” often eliminates some of the best minds in our country. I find it ironic, for instance, that the one president who regularly rates as the best ever was a man who would never ever be elected because of his appearance and manner. That man? Abraham Lincoln. All of this is to say that we human beings are not always the best judge of character. God makes that very same point in today’s reading from 1 Samuel. When it came time to select Saul’s successor, Samuel thought he could easily select the candidate based upon appearance and first impression. That’s why he was ready to anoint Eliab as Saul’s successor. God threw a wrench in his plans when God noted: “Looks aren’t everything. Don’t be impressed with his looks and stature. I’ve already eliminated him. God judges persons differently than humans do. Men and women look at the face; God looks into the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7 from The Message). Perhaps there is someone in your life that you’ve judged prematurely in terms of the role they could play – someone you’ve dismissed for rather superficial reasons. If so, spend some time today prayerfully opening yourself to seeing that someone in a new light – in God’s light. Til next time…