But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 KJV
We all know that when you go on an interview for a job or any type of function that you will be around other people, your outward appearance means a lot.
But that should not be the only thing they look at.
Looks can be deceiving.
Most of the time, our outward appearance, and the position we hold, is what others use to determine who we are before they even get to know us.
Sometimes, we even try to let our outward appearance and position influence what we think about ourselves.
It is human nature to form our judgments based on character.
It is a blessing to know that no matter what we think, or others think, or the position we hold, God sees what we have deep in our hearts.
We know that King Saul had been rejected by God for his disobedience.
He was following what the outward man was saying and not listening to what God was placing on his heart to do.
Samuel was called of God and told to anoint a different king, one of Jesse’s sons.
And while the prophet Samuel felt bad about the choices Saul made, he had to obey God.
Samuel began looking at each son and what their outer man looked like. None of them were chosen (vv.6-10).
He then asked a question of Jesse if there was another child.
He knew there had to be, because God would not have sent him there and not choose someone.
There was.
Jesse’s youngest son, David.
David was an ordinary young man. A shepherd on the hills of Bethlehem.
“He was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to.” When the Lord saw him, He said, “Arise, anoint him: for this is he.” (vv.11-12).
He wasn’t chosen for his looks or his position in the family.
God saw David’s heart and had a plan for his life.
We often misjudge someone’s character, even our own, but the Lord sees us for the faith, fear, and love, which are planted in each of our hearts.
We have been eternally chosen of the Lord to experience the kingdom of glory.
It is sealed with the Spirit of promise and by the receiving of a work of grace in our hearts.
How comforting it is to know that the Lord is not looking at our outward features but knows our hearts and the plans He has for our lives.
A WORD OF PRAYER
Lord, while others may be judging us by our outward appearance, You are not. You care more about what is in our hearts than our outward beauty, possessions, or achievements. Our heart’s desire is that the Spirit continues to come upon us like it did for David. A Spirit of Divine power that will go with us wherever we are. Giving us the wisdom and courage to fulfill all that You desire us to do. There are so many who are only looking at the outward man. May they see that the inner man, their hearts are what You see and care most about. Thank You for caring more about what is in our hearts than what is seen on the outside.
In Jesus Name We Pray, Amen