GOD LOOKS AT THE HEART
To the Jews, the Gentiles were “uncircumcised dogs.” The tragedy is that the
Jews depended on this physical mark instead of the spiritual reality it
represented (Deuteronomy 10:16; Jeremiah 9:26; Ezekial 44:9). A true Jew is
one who has had an inward spiritual experience in the heart, and not merely
an outward physical operation. People today make this same mistake with
reference to baptism or the Lord’s Supper, or even church membership.
God judges according to “the secrets of the heart”; He is not impressed with
mere outward formalities. An obedient Gentile with no circumcision would be
more acceptable than a disobedient Jew with circumcision. In fact, a
disobedient Jew turned his circumcision into uncircumcision in God’s sight,
for God looks at the heart. The Jews praised each other for their obedience to
the Law, but the important thing is the “praise of God” and not the praise of
men. When you recall that the name “Jew” comes from “Judah” which means
“praise,” this statement takes on new meaning.
The Bible says: “But the Lord said unto Samuel, ‘Look not on his
countenance, or on the height of his stature: because I have refused Him: for
the Lord seeth not as man seeth: for man looketh on the outward
appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).
Also consider: Deuteronomy 10:16; Jeremiah 9:26; Romans 2:16; 2
Corinthians 10:7; Genesis 29:35; 49:8; John 12:43.
Action assignment: Take a few minutes to consider what God’s X-ray
vision detects in your heart today. Confess your desire for His praise, rather
than the praise of people.
Warren W. Wiersbe
www.backtothebible.in