Who is Worthy? Appearance vs The Heart
But the Lord told Samuel, “Don’t look at his appearance or how tall he is, because I have rejected him. God does not see as humans see. Humans look at outward appearances, but the Lord looks into the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
David
David is another man we can spend several days studying. These verses discuss that God needed a new king for his people of Israel. Saul had failed and someone worthy of the job needed to be called. Samuel went in search of this man at Jesse’s home. Jesse's oldest son, the one they thought most likely to be who God would want to anoint, was sent out first.
Samuel was convinced based on his looks that Eliab was the one. The Bible tells us that he saw him and knew. Yet, God had other plans. All of Jesse’s sons came before Samuel and each one was a no from God. So Samuel asked, “is this all of your sons?’ Jesse had thought there was no way his youngest son would be chosen, so he hadn't even bothered to bring him to Samuel. I also wonder if Jesse didn’t want to lose his son who had been so good at keeping the sheep! Either way, he didn’t present him to Samuel with the others.
God tells Samuel to look at the heart and not the outward appearance of the sons. God is quick to remind Samuel that He focuses on the heart. So, whether you are undervalued because you are small, the youngest, the least attractive or whatever by others, God is not interested in that part of your resume. He knows what lies deep in your heart. He knows even what you may not realize about yourself yet, and He will use you in ways you never dreamed, if you allow him.
We will see how God uses this small, young boy in the next post, but for now just think about the physical characteristics you have that you feel are inadequate and then remember that God doesn’t care about any of that. He looks at the heart and will use those who genuinely want to be used by Him!
Meditate:
1. Reread 1 Samuel 16:7 above and write out those inadequacies you thought of. Pray over them and ask the Lord to use those traits to do glorious things for His kingdom.
Mindset Change: Today when you feel less than, send up a quick thanks to God that He uses our weaknesses to show His glory.