Size does not really matter!

Several years ago, a TV program began to make the "impossible" a possibility for those with unrecognized talent. American Idol became the most talked about program, featuring men and women with amazing talent, pitting once against another, until America "voted" the best of the best to the top of the heap.  Many of today's "idols" are followed by society, given a place of prominence, and rise to levels of unbelievable importance - yet their rise to popularity is not without the challenges of "stardom".  There are struggles with the competition the next "idol" presents, the unexpected demands of what such a quick rise to popularity places on both home and personal life, etc.  When I look at those who rise to such places of "importance" in society, I wonder if they really will endure the tests of time.  Today's passage deals with the very often missed fact - God is not impressed by what man sees as impressive!  In fact, he looks at the heart.

He's not impressed with horsepower; the size of our muscles means little to him.  Those who fear God get God's attention; they can depend on his strength.  (Psalm 147:10-11 The Message)

I love the simplicity of God's word!  He is not impressed with horsepower!  The idea of "horsepower" is often associated with the size of an engine in a vehicle.  The bigger the engine, the faster it travels, the quicker it starts, and the louder it is.  To me, when God says he is not impressed with horsepower, I think he means quick starts mean very little if you don't finish well.  We can make fast transitions in life, but the ones which really matter are those which endure the tests of time.  We all know the idiom, "The squeaky wheel gets the oil."  God knows the "loudest" wheel is not always turning in the right direction!  He is more concerned about where the wheel is traveling than he is in the noise it makes!

The size of our muscles means little to him!  This is a good thing since mine seem to have developed a little flabbiness with age!  Mighty men fight in the wrestling rings around the world - laden with well-developed muscles and bulked up physical stature.  Appearance means little when God is in charge of a man's life, though.  Don't believe me?  Think of David, a small shepherd boy.  Up against the mighty Philistine giant, Goliath.  In all estimation, he should never have felled the giant!  Yet, a few small stones in his hand, with the anointing of God, toppled one the world held up as a "giant".

Those who fear God get God's attention.  I am always amazed when my small need touches God just as much as the huge need of a small child dealing with a life-threatening disease.  God is no respecter of person - he sees all of us equally - through the blood of his Son!  Sin was the first "equalizer" for mankind - ALL have sinned and have fallen short of God's glory.  Christ is the last "equalizer" for mankind - by HIM all things are made new!

We can depend on his strength.  What we choose to lean upon is what will either sustain us, or be our undoing.  We can lean on what the world proclaims as important - job, material possessions, amassed funds.  Or...if we are wise...we can lean upon what God declares to be supremely important - the provision of his grace and mercy through his Son, Jesus.  In this standing, we learn dependence.  In our dependence, we learn to glean of his strength, leaning less and less upon our own.  In turn, we are made strong!