Under the skin

Thursday, February 25

Under the Skin 

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.” 1 Samuel 16:7

It’s commonly known that a banana is good for eating when it’s nice and yellow. But, sometimes looks can be deceiving. The other day I unpeeled what I thought was a banana in perfect condition. I was surprised to find several brown bruise marks under the skin, as there was no external evidence of them. This made me think of the Bible verse, 1 Samuel 16:7, and how we often see with our physical but God looks at the heart.

Jesus knows all about these things, because nothing is hidden from Him. But nothing changes how much He loves us (see Psalm 139). Romans 5:8 says, ‘But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us’. This is great news! Jesus came to help us and heal us, in body, soul and spirit. Concealing the hurts, bruises and pain we have incurred through life is not necessary. If only we would open up to Him and allow Him access to that area of pain, He has the answers to our innermost needs. This takes courage. But it truly is the only answer to coming into the healing and wholeness which Jesus made available to us through His death on Calvary. Remember the words in Isaiah 53:5 ‘But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed’.