Presentation by David Jeremiah

Friday, July 6 Presentation    So they answered him, “A hairy man wearing a leather belt around his waist.” And [the king] said, “It is Elijah the Tishbite.”  2 Kings 1:8    In many ways, appearance has become a dominant factor in our age. Cosmetic surgery, various physical activities to become thinner, starvation diets, the latest clothes and cars. And smartphones haven’t helped—selfies have become a compulsive way for some people to show themselves to the world.

Recommended Reading: 1 Samuel 16:7

But from God’s point of view, appearance seems to matter less. Take Elijah, for instance—“a hairy man wearing a leather belt around his waist.” He was known as a troublemaker (1 Kings 18:17) and eccentric. John the Baptist was a type of Elijah and seems to have mirrored his style: “John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey” (Mark 1:6). When looking for the successor to King Saul, Samuel was told by God that appearance didn’t matter (1 Samuel 16:7). And Isaiah the prophet said there would be nothing about the Messiah’s appearance that would make Him stand out (Isaiah 53:2). We may be described by our personal appearance, but the most important part of our presentation to others is the “fragrance of Christ” as His life radiates through ours (2 Corinthians 2:14-15). What scent is being diffused through you? Some flowers must be broken or bruised before they emit any fragrance.  Robert Murray M’Cheyne