Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 16
Appearances
can be deceiving. The outward appearance doesn’t reveal what people are really
like. Physical looks don’t show us a person’s value or character or integrity
or faithfulness to God. Outward qualities are, by definition, superficial.
Moral and spiritual considerations are far more important to God.
The Lord is about to
reveal to Samuel the next king of Israel.
The Lord told him that He has chosen a new king from among the sons of
Jesse in the town of Bethlehem. After some initial hesitation, Samuel heads
down to Bethlehem and begins to look over Jesse’s sons. He is most likely looking for a strong
warrior-type individual to lead the nation.
Someone who looks strong and able who can muster the support of the
people.
So, one-by-one,
Jesse’s sons come and present themselves to Samuel. And, one-by-one, God rejects them, because they
are not His chosen leader. God, told Samuel, “Looks aren’t everything. Don’t be impressed with his looks
and stature. God judges persons differently than humans do. You tend to look at
the outward appearance, but I look into the heart.”
People
tend to judge the character and worth of others by looking at outward
appearances. If a person is tall, good-looking, well-built, well-spoken, and
tastefully dressed, then he or she possesses physical qualities that humans
generally admire and respect. Often these are the physical qualities we seek in
a leader. But God has the unique ability to see inside a person. God knows our
true character because he “looks at the heart.”
God was
looking for someone who had a faithful heart. David, Jesse’s youngest son,
whom they had not even bothered to call, was out tending the sheep. After
Samuel passed over the other sons, they sent for David, and the Lord told
Samuel, “This is the one.” David was God’s choice. He was not perfect, but he was humble and
faithful, a man after God’s heart. In his time alone in the fields,
shepherding the flocks, David had come to know God as his Shepherd.
There
are two important lessons for us in this passage. First, if we desire to be used of God and
chosen by Him for ministry, we must focus on the inner person and cultivate a
faithful heart. The Lord is looking for those whose hearts and humble are faithful to place into positions of service.
Second, we must be careful not to look at appearances when making
choices in life. We must humbly seek
God’s view of a person and rely fully on His wisdom to help us choose wisely.
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