God Looks Differently

God looks at the heart

The LORD had rejected Saul from being king because of his persistent disobedience to His commands. The Lord then further commanded Prophet Samuel to go to the household of Jesse and anoint one of his sons as the future king of Israel.

As Prophet Samuel was on the job assigned to him, Eliab (one of the sons of Jesse and brother of David) stood in front of Prophet Samuel. He was quite good looking and so Prophet Samuel thought, “surely this is the one chosen by the Lord”

But the Lord said to (Prophet) Samuel, “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)

Why did the Lord refuse Eliab?

Physically or appearance wise, he was cool but his heart (the inner man) did not appeal to God and he was refused by the Lord. The way the Lord looks at us is different from the way man sees.

Man looks at the outward appearance but God looks deeper on the inside – He looks at the heart (the Spirit man). Now please understand, to be well dressed and look good is not wrong but we need to be also equally concerned about the condition of our hearts (the spirit man or the inner man).

All of God's dealings with man are based on the condition of his heart (inner man). David was not so good looking as compared to King Saul. But then he was a man after God’s own heart. (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22). So from this you can see the importance of the heart and the urgent need to guard our heart.

Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 33-35

Father, strengthen my inner man with endurance, that I may do Your will with zeal and diligence, and not quit pursuing the deep things of Your heart.

Father God, You are Jehovah Shalom, the LORD of peace. Please give me Your peace in all areas of my life.

Father, give me strength to follow through in my commitments to You and to fulfill my ministry calling when it is difficult. In Jesus name. Amen

God Looks Differently

Most Read