Looks Can Be Deceiving

The doctor did a double take and exclaimed, “Mother?! You look more like sisters!”

Judges 8:1-35

Reference: v.6 But the officials of Sukkoth said, “Do you already have the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna in your possession? Why should we give bread to your troops?” (TNIV Bible)

Explore: My foster daughter is eighteen years old and Filipino.  This causes much confusion for people when I introduce her as my daughter, as I am in my early thirties and incredibly white!  Just the other day I took her to see a new doctor due to her being unwell with the flu.  When we walked in the door I introduced her and explained that I was her mum.  The doctor did a double take and exclaimed, “Mother?! You look more like sisters!”  While he was meaning to be flattering, it wasn’t long before he could tell that I was, in fact, the parental figure.  I was able to explain her symptoms and the medical treatment I had already administered to her while we had been at home.  While our looks were deceiving, our actions spoke of our true relationship.

Application: When Gideon was in pursuit of his enemies army, he asked for assistance from some of the cities that he passed by.  The leaders looked at the measly 300 strong army that God had chosen for Gideon and must have thought it crazy that such a small group of men could fight and overpower the strong figures they were chasing.  And so, they refused them aid – probably so that the enemy would not have anything against them if they were to return.  And yet it turned out that Gideon and his army were more than met the eye.  They looked small in number and tired from their previous days of fighting, yet God gave them the strength to overpower the enemy.  It’s so easy for us to judge people by how they look and yet, we can only truly gauge what people are like by their actions.

Prayer: Lord, forgive us when we judge others. May we see people for their potential and not bind them to our limitations.  Amen.

What do you see is your full potential?

actions, Judges, judging