AN UNEXPECTED QUALIFICATION

 DECEMBER 19, 2022

1 Samuel 16:7

"The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Here we have the account of Samuel’s search for Israel’s new king. God leads Samuel to Bethlehem where he was to invite Jesse to a sacrifice, and thereby Samuel began the interview process of Jesse’s family. Jesse presented his tall and handsome son, Abinadab, thinking he looked the part of a king. But God told Samuel to look for someone with the right heart. Jesse then presented six other sons, but Samuel asked, “Are these all your sons?” In response, Jesse then presented his youngest son, David. By outward appearances, this shepherd boy was not considered a good fit for king. Samuel took one look at him, and God spoke “This is the one; anoint him.” God had big plans for David. David would make some mistakes, big ones, but he had the heart and courage to lead God’s people.

You see God calls, uses, and does great things through the unexpected. Whether it is places like little Bethlehem, or People like Jesse’s son David. David did not look the part of a king on the outside. Yet, the youngest and the least in Jesse’s family became Israel’s greatest king and leader.

From the line of David came the Messiah, Christ the Lord. A baby, unexpected! In a stable, unexpected! In little Bethlehem, unexpected! God does great things through you and me, unexpected!! Remember the verse today when you doubt God's plan and purpose for you, "The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

LET US PRAY

Lord, I give You my heart
I give You my soul
I live for you alone
And every breath that I take
Every moment I'm awake
Lord, have Your way in me. Amen