Gideon replied, “But how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest one in Manasseh, and everyone else in my family is more important than I – Judges 6:15 CEV.
After Saul’s disappointment and rebellion GOD instructed Samuel to go and anoint one of Jesse’s sons. Samuel was a powerful man of GOD who had been a servant for many years. Because he was God’s vessel and mouthpiece it’s safe to assume he knew the heart of GOD. When confronted by the first born Eliab the man of GOD was ready to anoint. In his eyes this was the perfect candidate. His physical appearance was flawless (what we refer to now as FHM specimen) and he carried himself with honor.
Yet GOD was not impressed by his phenotype but judged the heart. David was the last person considered for this great honor, even his own father had disqualified him. What was it about David that got God’s attention? This unique trait or character about him made GOD overlook seven “viable” candidates and chose the overlooked underdog, the brick rejected by the builders.
Gideon was not being humble in above Scripture but was merely stating facts. He was the least of all of them and by all account should not even feature in the story. Yet GOD chose him instead and commissioned him to free His people. He didn’t believe he was worthy to be used by the Lord and doubted his own abilities. The angel told him to go in the strength that he had (he didn’t even think he had strength to begin with).
Sometimes when called by GOD we often feel there could be a better candidate elsewhere and we are not up to the challenge. Not because we are weak but because we don’t think we have the traits that GOD needs to work with. The two above examples prove that though we may not believe in ourselves GOD knows what’s in our heart. He judges the heart and not the exterior. We should trust that He knows us better than we know ourselves. When He calls we should be ready to do the work because He knows our hearts better.
In our walk with Him, He will lead us into areas where we are completely out of our element. He will send us into situations that we feel are overwhelming and suffocating. The only assurance we will have is that He knows us better than we know ourselves and He is all knowing. And we know that in everything all things will work out for our good. We may not see our hearts but He does. Ours is to surrender and let Him take charge. It’s not by might or by power (Zechariah 4:6). It’s a myocardium issue.
He judges the heart and not the exterior
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