God does not view things the way people do. People look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
1 Samuel 16:7b
Into the Text
Throughout the period of Joshua and the Judges, God continued to prove Himself as faithful protector and provider. However, the Israelites continued to prove themselves unfaithful, continually falling into idol worship.
By the time we reach 1 Samuel, there was no king in Israel, and everyone did what was right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25). Though God was their ultimate king, the people wanted a king to look like the other nations. God raised up the first King of Israel, Saul. Saul looked the part on the outside, but outward appearances don’t always match what’s on the inside.
Saul was more concerned with what the people thought of him than with pleasing God, so God chose a different king, a young shepherd boy named David.
David was anything but kingly according to his outward appearance. But he had something that Saul did not, a heart that wanted to live for God. He raised David to be the greatest earthly king of Israel because David remained surrendered to God. He was not perfect but faithful.
You may be tempted to compare yourself to others, or you may be tempted to look down on others. What God values is a person who is humble and surrendered to Him. He wants to use us in His mission to redeem the lost. Will you trust Him to show you the place He has for you?
Prayer
God, thank you that you see more than what man does. Thank you for knowing me and loving me. I pray that you will use me for your glory and that I will remain faithful to you. Amen.