We tend to focus on external appearances, but God has his sights set on something different than looks, wealth, position, and abilities. God looks at the heart. He looks for true character, motives, and devotion to Him.
And this is really good news.
7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 SAMUEL 16:7
1 Samuel 16:7-13, is a pivotal scene that unfolds as God directs the prophet Samuel to choose a new king. In this passage, Jesse presents his sons before Samuel. Initially drawn to Jesse's eldest son, Eliab, based on his outward appearance, Samuel is promptly reminded by God that appearances can be deceiving. The timeless adage, "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart," was born here in 1 Samuel 16:7. This verse serves as a profound lesson: God looks deeper than the quality of our appearance to the condition of the heart.
No matter your age or life stage, God judges you not by human standards but by the condition of your heart.
As Samuel proceeds through Jesse's sons, each seemingly fit for kingship by worldly standards, God continues to guide him to the son who isn’t in the room, David, the youngest and least likely candidate. David didn’t have the height or strength of Saul and even his brothers could outshine Him, but He had something that God was looking for - a heart after His and a willingness to do what God says. God chose David, because David chose to love God!
22 After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’ ACTS 13:22
And this is really good news.
7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 SAMUEL 16:7
1 Samuel 16:7-13, is a pivotal scene that unfolds as God directs the prophet Samuel to choose a new king. In this passage, Jesse presents his sons before Samuel. Initially drawn to Jesse's eldest son, Eliab, based on his outward appearance, Samuel is promptly reminded by God that appearances can be deceiving. The timeless adage, "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart," was born here in 1 Samuel 16:7. This verse serves as a profound lesson: God looks deeper than the quality of our appearance to the condition of the heart.
No matter your age or life stage, God judges you not by human standards but by the condition of your heart.
As Samuel proceeds through Jesse's sons, each seemingly fit for kingship by worldly standards, God continues to guide him to the son who isn’t in the room, David, the youngest and least likely candidate. David didn’t have the height or strength of Saul and even his brothers could outshine Him, but He had something that God was looking for - a heart after His and a willingness to do what God says. God chose David, because David chose to love God!
22 After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’ ACTS 13:22