Monday, March 16th

Today we return to Luther Seminary’s series:

Relevant Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1–13

David was an unexpected choice for king. In today’s reading, Samuel, still mourning over Saul, heads to the house of Jesse to anoint the next king. When Samuel sees the family, he repeatedly assumes incorrectly which son God has chosen to be king. If even Samuel, one of the great prophets, can be misled by outward appearance, it is not surprising when we are tempted to make the same error.

How often do we judge people by their stature, their job, their car, their clothing? It’s easy to fall into the trap of judging others on a variety of frivolous external grounds. But we are reminded that the heart is what God sees. We are called to care more about furthering God’s kingdom than about our own appearance or our own successes. So let us concentrate on the heart this Lent—both on our own heart and on recognizing what is in the hearts of others.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we thank you for seeing us for who we are and loving us unconditionally. We pray for help in resisting the temptation to judge others. Amen.