“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart… And Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel… And Samuel said to Jesse, ‘Are these all the sons you have?’ And he said, ‘There remains yet the youngest, and behold, he is tending the sheep.’ And Samuel said to Jesse, ‘Send and bring him…’ And he sent and brought him… And the Lord said, ‘Arise, anoint him, for this is he.’” (1 Samuel 16:7, 10, 11, 12)

Seeing as God Sees

According to J. Redekop’s explanations, we find in these verses a very important and useful lesson. Let’s not judge by appearances. Otherwise, we quickly form a false opinion and draw inaccurate conclusions. Outward appearance can be very deceptive, but fortunately, no one can lie to God! He sees the heart, and what He discerns will one day become evident to all. Many despised David, especially his brothers, but through Samuel’s mouth, God speaks of him as a “man after His own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14).

In 1 Samuel 16, we find a remarkable description of David: “He had a ruddy complexion, with beautiful eyes, and was handsome in appearance” (v. 12). In his prophecy, Isaiah presents the thoughts of the Jews when they see the Lord Jesus. For them, “He had no form or majesty; that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him” (53:2). The apostle John’s declaration is entirely different:

“And the Word [Jesus, the Son of God] became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

What a wonderful contemplation, indeed! Let’s consider more deeply this glorious Person! If Christ fills our hearts, everything around us or happening to us will become clearer and sharper. The account of the healing of the blind man in Mark 8 illustrates this truth. After the Lord Jesus’ initial intervention, the blind man’s vision wasn’t very clear yet. He saw people, but they appeared to him as “trees walking” (v. 24). Jesus then “laid his hands on his eyes” again and made him look up. He was then completely healed “and saw everything clearly” (v. 25).

If we look to Jesus and fix our eyes on Him, we will see things as He sees them. He will give us wisdom and understanding to comprehend the Word of God. Already, the psalmist said:

“Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way” (Psalm 119:104).

“A thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past…” (Psalm 90:4)

“Why do we have short-term vision?” This question, we ask it so often. And we hear it so often around us… “We don’t understand anymore! Why did God allow this?” Indeed, it’s not uncommon to hear some reflections like: “We don’t understand! We prayed based on a certain promise and we see nothing happening…” Or: “We prayed for this person. We claimed their healing based on biblical promises, and the person passed away. We don’t understand anymore! Why did God allow this?”

So many questions that are difficult to answer. However, when some face a difficult situation and they don’t see God responding, they feel that God is abandoning them. Then, they rush into the Bible seeking God’s promises, or they open up to 116 brothers and sisters in order to share their concerns. It happens then that someone gives them advice. Sometimes the advice is spiritual, but sometimes it’s not. I believe, of course, that in offering words of encouragement to those in distress, most people have good intentions.

But it turns out that some words of encouragement are not always the right words for the occasion. We need to ask God for the necessary wisdom. On the other hand, when we face failure, often, we don’t react as we should. We approach the problem backward, as if God were the cause of the problem. I believe the problem lies on our side rather than His. Where are you in your knowledge of God? Of His will and His purpose?

Learn to see as God sees!

Immerse yourself in His Word and develop intimacy with Him! You will be amazed at how faithfully He will answer you.

“Your servant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil. Then Elisha said, ‘Go outside, borrow vessels from all your neighbors‘” (2 Kings 4:2-3)

Seeing what God sees, isn’t it a beautiful program? This poor widow lived a tragic story. Her husband died, and she was left alone with her two children. Beyond the emotional and affective suffering, you must understand that she also lost her provider. Following this, her creditor came to her, threatening to take her two sons into slavery if she didn’t pay her debt. She went to the prophet Elisha asking for help because the only thing she had was a jar of oil. God wants to lead you to see as He sees. Elisha said to her: “Go and borrow empty vessels from all your neighbors.”

A jar contained about 20 deciliters of liquid, while a vessel contained 100 liters. This poor widow spoke of a few liters while the prophet offered her hundreds. Indeed, the thing happened as the word was spoken. From a simple jar, hundreds of liters flowed to fill many vessels… Here is the beginning of the miracle: seeing as God sees. The Lord is capable of taking what little you have and multiplying it. When you look at yourself, you say: “I only have a small car, a small job, poor health, small savings…”

But God wants to lead you to see as He sees. From small things, He makes great ones! If you obey Him, He will take your jar to fill dozens of vessels. A truth for today: Lord, I believe You can take my little, my jar, my stool, and make a miracle out of it. Amen.

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This text is an excerpt from the book “Glasses And Mirrors Of The Bible” written by Jérémie TCHINDEBE.

We invite you to read the following article “SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS.”