But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Today I heard a study on the good Samaritan where a man was traveling down a road and he was basically mugged and beaten, robbed of all of his goods, and left for dead. As he lay there a Pharisee came walking by, noticed the man but he kept walking. Never once taking the time to reach out a hand yet alone to think of helping the man in need. Then a little while later along came a Levite who went all the way around to the other side of the road to avoid having to deal with the injured man.
Sadly, he thought about it but chose to go way out of his way to make sure he didn’t help. Then along came a Samaritan man who, when he saw the man, reached down, helped him out, tore off some of his clothing to bandage him up, and took him to get help. The Samaritan’s were seen as a much lessor people, often looked down upon. They were a people that the Jewish people had many prejudices against. But yet when you think of these three men, which one best revealed the character of Jesus.
Now look back on your life and when you have known people in need, which person has fit your life? Are you the noble, well taught Pharisee? The Levite who was in today’s term either an Elder or Decan in the church, who has a knowledge of Godly service and Christian character? Or are you the Samaritan who is seen as less fortunate, less educated but yet the most willing to reach out a hand to help?
Reward yourself by reaching out a hand and helping someone out and feel the blessing you will receive from doing that.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.