6 Feb, 2007
Wow! This guy is huge. Sun Ming, 23, the new center for the Maryland Nighthawks basketball team is 7 feet 9 inches tall (2.13 meters). From Bayan, China, he is now the tallest player in professional basketball history, and one of the tallest men in the world. Larry La, who is 5’6”, is translating for Ming as he is introduced at a news conference in Chevy Chase, Maryland, on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2007.
It looks like playing basketball is easy for him.
What must he think about being so tall? Is he happy and proud or uncomfortable about all the people staring at him?
Have you ever been unhappy with your body or wanted to be taller? What would you like to change about your appearance?
Seven Foot Nine
What does today’s scripture teach us?
God is more concerned about what is inside a person and not so concerned about the physical appearance of that person. In this passage Samuel was sent by God to Jesse’s house to anoint the future king of Israel. Jesse lined up his sons for Samuel to make his selection. When Samuel saw Eliab, the tallest son, he was sure he would be God’s pick. God tells Samuel, “Not so fast, Mr. King-Anointing Priest.” What impresses you doesn’t count for much with God. Later God directs Samuel to anoint the youngest, smallest son, David, who eventually becomes the greatest king of Israel.
How can you connect Today’s God’s Story (the Scripture) to your life?
The popular culture we live in puts high value on physical appearance. Tall, thin, good-looking people get lots of attention and special treatment in the media and youth culture. If you didn’t get the right beauty or athletic body genes, you often get ignored.
The good news is God who created you (with help from your mother and father) doesn’t judge you like People Magazine might describe you. You didn’t have any control over whether you are 4’9” or 7’9”. It doesn’t matter. God is more interested in your mind and heart being “hot” for him than how “hot” your body looks.
How can you connect Today’s God’s Story and Your Story to others?
- Change the way you look at other people. Keep your focus on what God sees in them, not their imperfect bodies.
- Stop any negative talk or criticism of other for their outward appearance. Step in and stop people who make fun of how someone looks.
- Encourage your friends to not judge others. Set a good example for them by how you treat others. They will see how God is changing you.
- Be a real friend to people regardless of their physical appearance. Let them know how much God loves them by how you treat them.
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