After rejecting Saul as king over Israel, the LORD sent Samuel to Bethlehem where one of the sons of Jesse would be the next king. Samuel was afraid but God provided a way through a sacrifice. After arriving in Bethlehem, Samuel consecrated Jesse and his sons. When Samuel saw Jesse’s first son, he thought this must be the next king. He was probably tall, handsome, and strong. In fact, Saul likely had a similar physical bearing. But the LORD taught Samuel a lesson. We judge people according to their outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. God looks at our hearts too. What does God see in your heart? Is your heart humble and repentant? Does your heart seek to love and obey God?

Since God rejected Eliab, Samuel had each of Jesse’s sons pass by. God had not chosen them. Finally, David was brought in from the fields. God had chosen him. Samuel anointed him and from that day on, God’s Spirit came upon David. Israel’s next king was a shepherd boy who was not Samuel’s first choice. But David would later be called a man after God’s own heart (Ac 13:22).

David was called to serve Saul. Even Saul’s servants recognized that God was with David. David helped Saul feel better by playing the lyre.
Application: Father, create in me a pure heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me (Ps 51:10).
One Word: God looks at the heart