Information Related to "Looking Good"
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Just how important is it that you look good? Given the
fact that others often judge us by our appearance, the way we look does
matter. As we all know, many today go to great lengths in order to fit
in. But how does our society's obsession with the shapes of our bodies,
our clothing and the latest hairstyles square with the Word of God? Does
God care? Should we? An ancient example from the Bible provides insight.
Approximately three thousand years ago, the prophet Samuel's
visit to Bethlehem caused quite a stir. The elders of the city "trembled
at his coming" and wondered if this man of God was coming peaceably (1 Samuel 16:4). Assuring them that they had nothing to fear, the honorable
prophet told them part of the reason for his visit—to hold a special
sacrifice. This event would be by invitation only, and an invitation
was offered to Jesse and his sons (verses 3-5).
What Samuel hadn't told anyone was that he was also on a mission from God to anoint one of Jesse's sons to succeed Saul as king over Israel. As Samuel carefully looked over the six sons of Jesse who had come to the sacrifice, his eye fell on Eliab—a tall, good-looking young man whom Samuel immediately suspected was the one God had in mind.
As part of the instructions for attending, those invited had been told to "sanctify" themselves (verse 5). To sanctify something means to prepare or treat it as holy. When the Israelites sanctified themselves before receiving the Ten Commandments, one of the things they did was wash their clothes (Exodus 19:14). Since Samuel had instructed everyone attending the sacrifice to sanctify himself, Eliab had probably taken a bath, washed his clothes and maybe even gotten a haircut so he would look sharp. And as some people might say, "He cleaned up pretty good." Anyway, Samuel was impressed by Eliab's appearance.
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