Session 19

You can’t unsee this

From 1 Samuel: A 6-Week Devotional

The Internet drama over “the dress” made people lose their minds. Some saw white and gold. Others saw black and blue. That viral sensation proved what we all know: Somehow, we can look at the same thing and all take away something different. 

Not only do we see things differently, but also we are quick to turn perceptions based on appearance into judgments. 

Thankfully, God does not operate this way. To Him, our appearance neither defines us nor dictates our value.

In 1 Samuel 16, the Lord sends Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint a king from Jesse’s sons. Based on appearance, it is likely Jesse’s older sons would have been prime candidates for king. One by one, Jesse’s sons pass before Samuel but God rejects them all. 

Samuel and Jesse were both likely baffled. These sons looked the part! Samuel admits to being afraid. But the Lord explains to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

God looks at the condition of our hearts. He is not fooled by outward appearance. 

Samuel and Jesse looked at the initial seven sons and saw what we would see today — good looks, success, age, experience, strength, authority. But then, and now, the Lord looks deeper. He looks at the condition of our hearts. He is not fooled by outward appearance. 

The Lord chose Jesse’s youngest, David, who was absent keeping the sheep. David probably looked like a dirty mess, having come directly from the fields, but that didn’t matter: God wanted his heart. 

If the Lord values only our character, isn’t that where God would want us to focus our eyes?

Reflect:

• Where are you investing your time in developing personally?
• What steps are you taking to develop your heart?