God’s Choice For King

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

God sent His prophet Samuel to the family of Jesse to anoint the king who would succeed Saul. And the Lord’s choice absolutely defied our human logic. Samuel looked at Eliab, Jesse’s firstborn son, saw his impressive appearance and size, and assumed Eliab must be God’s choice. God said no, so Samuel considered the next son, and then the next, and the one after that, until finally he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” (v. 11). That is when Jesse called his youngest—David—in from the fields where he was tending the family’s sheep.

From a human point of view, this last-born son was the least qualified for the throne. But the Lord said to Samuel, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one” (v. 12).

What has God called you to do? Whatever it is, no matter your age or stage in life, you are full of potential and great purpose. The Lord looks at your heart, just as He looked at David’s. And He has equipped you with every good thing for doing His will (Hebrews 13:21).

Lord, thank You for looking at my heart. Help me know and embrace Your calling for me!