But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
There is a fascinating account in the Bible in 1 Samuel 16. When it was time to replace King Saul, Samuel went to Bethlehem and called together Jesse and his sons. Each of Jesse’s sons were presented to Samuel and God would select a new King. As seven sons passed by Samuel there was no suitable replacement found. Samuel asked if all of Jesse’s sons were there. Jesse had one more son, David, who was tending the sheep. They called for David and he was the one and was anointed by Samuel to be the future king of Israel.
This compelling story raises the question: What was the difference between David and his brothers? 1 Samuel 16:7 demonstrates that it was a matter of the heart. We tend to look at the exterior and God looks and the interior, the heart. 2 Chronicles 16:9
What does God see when He looks at your heart?
- Pride – Proverbs 21:4, Jeremiah 17:9
Our hearts will naturally focus on me, myself and I.
- Guilt – Matthew 5:19
- Brokenness – Psalm 51:17
- Emptiness – King Saul – 1 Samuel 13:14
- Belief – Romans 10:10
- Jesus – Ephesians 3:14-19
What should we do?
- Examine our OWN hearts
- Eliminate pride and sin by confession and repentance
- Turn our hearts toward God
- Trust Christ to dwell in our hearts as Savior and Lord
In Mark 12:41-44 Jesus is observing people at the synagogue contributing to the offering box. Jesus, being the Master Teacher, uses this as a teachable moment for His disciples. He says,
