God's Thoughts and Ways Above Ours: Samuel's thought and God's answer

 Human thought: "Surely the LORD’s anointed is before him!" (1 Samuel 16:6)

God’s answer: "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 16:7)

A true prophet of God drew the wrong conclusion when he saw Eliab's beauty and stature. He thought God had chosen Eliab to be king. Jesse didn't even think to call David, who was tending the sheep at that moment. Neither David's father nor God's true prophet could have guessed who would be chosen by God to be king. God had chosen one whose heart was right before Him, one who had chosen to follow God's commandments.

It is possible to impress people with external beauty, external piety, but not God. He sees what is inside the cup and dish that shines outside; He sees the impurity inside the whitewashed tomb. He esteemed a man according to His own heart someone whom we saw as an adulterer and a murderer. Because He does not see as man sees.

Topical meditation 2024

March 6