GOD SEES THE HEART OF DAVID
- Israel had demanded a king like the surrounding nations
(1 Samuel 8:4–7).
- God had allowed Saul to become Israel’s first king.
- Saul looked like a king. He was impressive in appearance and
stood taller than the people around him (1 Samuel 9:2).
- But Saul repeatedly disobeyed God’s instructions, and God
rejected him from continuing as king (1 Samuel 15:22–23, 26).
- Samuel was grieving over Saul when God instructed him to go
to Bethlehem and anoint a new king.
- Israel had chosen a king based on what impressed people.
6 When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, “Surely this is the Lord’s anointed!” 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 6-7 NLT
GOD IS MORE CONCERNED WITH YOUR HEART THAN YOUR
APPEARANCE.
- God sees what others overlook.
- God is not fooled by appearances.
- His calling is based on the heart, not outward appearance.
- A person can look successful on the outside and be spiritually
empty on the inside.
GOD DEVELOPS US IN PRIVATE BEFORE HE USES US IN PUBLIC.
11 Then Samuel asked, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied. “But he’s out in the fields watching the sheep and goats.” 1 Samuel 16:11 NLT
- Small responsibilities prepare us for greater opportunities.
“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones.”… Luke 16:10a NLT
- You can be overlooked by people and still be chosen by God!
GOD’S CALLING COMES WITH GOD’S EMPOWERING.
12 So Jesse sent for him. He was dark and handsome, with beautiful eyes.
And the Lord said, “This is the one; anoint him.” 13 So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day on. Then Samuel returned to Ramah. 1 Samuel 16:12-13 NLT
- Anointing with oil was a significant act.
- God was more concerned with preparing David to be king.
- David didn’t have everything he would eventually need to fulfill his calling, but he had the God who would be faithful to equip him along the way.