The Prophet Samuel
So it was, when they came, that he looked at Eliab and said, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before Him!” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:6-7
God sent Samuel to anoint one of the sons of Jesse to be the future king. Samuel looked at the brothers’ outward appearances. God didn’t, telling Samuel, “the Lord looks at the heart.” God chose David, calling him “a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.” (Acts 13:22) God had given David a believing heart that was devoted to Him. He repented over his sins and trusted in God’s forgiveness. The Spirit led David to faithfully lead God’s people in His ways.
God doesn’t look at outward appearances. What God looks for in us are hearts that believe in Him and are devoted to Him. The faith God looks for in us, He works in us. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God…” (Ephesians 2:8) God tells us, “I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart. … I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.” (Ezekiel 36:25-27)
Jesus, thank You for being so devoted to us that You gave Your life to save us. Give us believing hearts that are devoted to You, that repent of our sins and trust in Your forgiveness, and that are motivated to lead others to You.
Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my will, and make it Thine;
It shall be no longer mine.Take my heart; it is Thine own;
It shall be Thy royal throne.
The Lutheran Hymnal 400:1, 5