Do You See What God Sees in a Man?

Do You See What God Sees in a Man?

The Underlying Reasons and the Biblical Essentials

God’s kingdom operates on principles that are often opposite to human thinking. Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly chose ordinary, overlooked, and even rejected people to accomplish extraordinary purposes. The issue is never whether a person appears significant in the eyes of men, but whether that person has been chosen, called, commissioned, and empowered by God.

The question every believer should ask is not, “Who does society admire?” but “Whom has God recognized?”

1. God’s Recognition Comes Before Man’s Recognition

Every genuine servant of God is first recognized in heaven before being recognized on earth.

God knew Jeremiah before his birth and ordained him as a prophet.

“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” — Jeremiah 1:5

David was an unknown shepherd tending sheep while his brothers appeared more qualified. Yet God had already chosen him.

Samuel initially looked at Eliab’s impressive appearance, but God reminded him that divine selection is based on the heart, not outward appearance.

1 Samuel 16:1–13

Essential Truth: God’s choice is determined by His sovereign will, not by human qualification.

1. God Sees What Others Cannot See

Human beings evaluate the visible.

God evaluates the invisible.

He sees:

* the heart

* humility

* obedience

* faithfulness

* integrity

* spiritual hunger

* future potential

* willingness to obey Him

This explains why people often reject those whom God later exalts.

Jesus Himself “had no beauty or majesty” that attracted people outwardly (Isaiah 53:2–3), yet He was God’s chosen Messiah.

The religious leaders saw a carpenter.

God revealed His beloved Son.

1. God’s Calling Carries His Authority

When God calls someone, He also grants authority to accomplish the assignment.

Jesus told His disciples,

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you…” — John 15:16

Paul likewise declared,

“Paul, an apostle, not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ…” — Galatians 1:1

True ministry is not self-appointed.

It begins with God’s appointment.

1. God Stands Behind Those He Sends

One of the greatest biblical principles is this:

God confirms the ministry of those whom He sends.

Throughout Scripture:

* Moses stretched out his rod, and God acted.

* Joshua commanded, and God honoured his leadership.

* Elijah prayed, and fire fell from heaven.

* Elisha spoke, and miracles followed.

* Peter preached, and thousands believed.

* Paul ministered, and extraordinary miracles occurred.

God was not honouring the personalities.

He was confirming His own calling.

“The Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.” — Mark 16:20

1. Why Does God Respond to the Prayers and Prophecies of His Servants?

Many people ask:

“If God hears everyone’s prayers, why do certain servants of God seem to experience extraordinary answers?”

Scripture gives several reasons.

They walk closely with God.

James 5:16–18

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

Elijah prayed according to God’s will.

God responded.

They speak God’s Word rather than their own opinions.

The true prophet speaks what God has revealed.

Jeremiah 1:9

Ezekiel 2:7

They minister under divine authority.

Jesus said,

“He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me.” — John 13:20

Rejecting God’s messenger often means rejecting God’s authority.

1. Why Should God’s Servants Be Honoured?

The Bible never teaches the worship of human leaders.

Only God deserves worship.

However, Scripture repeatedly commands believers to honour those whom God appoints.

Honour because of God’s appointment.

“Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.” — Psalm 105:15

Honour because they watch over your soul.

Hebrews 13:17

Honour because they labour in the Word.

1 Timothy 5:17

Honour because Christ gave ministry gifts to the Church.

Ephesians 4:11–13

Honour is ultimately directed toward God, who established these ministries.

1. Why Do Many Fail to Recognize God’s Servants?

Several spiritual obstacles prevent people from recognizing those whom God has called.

* Pride

* Envy

* Familiarity

* Spiritual blindness

* Unbelief

* Jealousy

* Judging by outward appearance

Jesus said,

“A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country.” — Matthew 13:57

The people of Nazareth only saw Jesus as “the carpenter’s son.”

They failed to recognize the Messiah standing among them.

1. The Danger of Rejecting Those God Has Sent

Scripture records many who opposed God’s appointed servants.

* Korah opposed Moses (Numbers 16).

* Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses (Numbers 12).

* Saul persecuted David.

* The religious leaders rejected Jesus.

* Many persecuted the apostles.

In every case, opposition to God’s chosen servants ultimately became opposition to God’s purposes.

This does not mean every person claiming to be God’s servant should be accepted uncritically. Scripture instructs believers to test the spirits (1 John 4:1) and to examine teaching against God’s Word (Acts 17:11). Genuine recognition is based on biblical truth, Christlike character, sound doctrine, and the fruit of the Spirit.

1. The Essential Question

When God recognizes a man, do you recognize what God is doing?

When God entrusts someone with His Word, do you honour God’s appointment?

When God answers through the prayers of His servants, do you glorify God or dismiss His work because of prejudice or familiarity?

The issue is not whether a servant of God is famous, influential, or impressive.

The issue is whether God has called, commissioned, and confirmed that servant.

Conclusion

The greatest mistake we can make is to judge according to human standards while ignoring God’s perspective. God often raises up those the world overlooks and confirms them through faithful obedience, sound doctrine, holy character, and the fruit of their ministry.

Therefore, learn to see with spiritual discernment. Honour those whom God has genuinely called—not because they are flawless, but because God has entrusted them with His work. At the same time, remain grounded in Scripture, testing every ministry by the truth of God’s Word.

“Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” — John 7:24