When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the LORD’s anointed stands here before the LORD.”
But the LORD said 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.”
Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.” Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, “Nor has the LORD chosen this one.” Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The LORD has not chosen these.” So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?”
“There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.”
Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.”
So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features.
Then the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.”
1 Samuel 16:1, 6-12 (NIV)
Our society focuses so much on the outward appearance. Some people judge merely off of how someone appears. Samuel did this when he went searching for Israel's king. He focused on the outward qualities of Jesse's sons. Yet God was searching their hearts.
These same tall, strapping men cowered in the face of adversity. Later on, when they were challenged by the giant Goliath, not one of them stepped up to defend Israel. It was their youngest brother, David, who answered the call. He wasn't even old enough or even trained to fight! Yet, David knew the God that he served.
God sees your insides. He knows your heart. Despite how other people may judge you, the Lord knows your true worth. Don't allow the superficial judgments of others keep you from answering God's call. And, make sure you take time to get to know someone before you make a snap judgment. Look to their heart. You probably will change your mind.
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